Merlin Hanson

Merlin E. Hanson

"Moo Moo"

Age 83 of Coal City, passed away Monday morning January 21, 2013 at Morris Hospital.

Born February 4, 1929 in Channahon, Merlin was a son of the late George Nicholas and Agnes Mabel Gehrke-Hanson. He was raised in Coal City and graduated from Coal City High School. Merlin married Rose Ruffatti and she preceded him on September 6, 1996. He was a member of Coal City United Methodist Church, served on the Coal City Fire Department for more than 25 years and belonged to the Coal City Area Club. Merlin worked as a pipefitter and retired from Pipefitters Local 597. He was a great advocate for education and will be remembered for enjoying time on his pontoon boat.

Survivors include two sons: Merlin "Butch" (Nancy) Hanson, Jr. and George Hanson, both of Coal City; three grandchildren: Ricky (Nanci) Susner of Kentucky, Christopher (Leslie) Hanson of Herrin, Illinois and Jeanette (Chris) Loechel of Mount Prospect, Illinois; six great grandchildren: Aidan, Valerie Rose, Christopher, Jr., Ariana, Alayna and Charlotte; one brother Robert (Marilyn) Hanson of Sebring, Florida; two sisters: Charlotte VanDuyne of Wilmington and Carol Hanson of Fresno, California, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Moo Moo was preceded in death by his parents; wife Rose; daughter Valerie Joyce and brother Chuck Hanson.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Wednesday January 23, 2013 between the hours of 5:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Funeral services will follow Thursday January 24th at 10:00AM in Coal City United Methodist Church, 6805 East McArdle Road in Coal City. Reverend Dr. Thomas Logsdon will officiate and burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Braidwood.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Moo Moo's memory to The Unit #1 Educational Foundation, PO Box 177, Coal City, Illinois 60416 (www.Unit1Foundation.org)

Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815/634-2125)