Herbert Hanson

Herbert R. Hanson “Chi Ma’iingan Inini” (Great Wolf Man) age 60 of Crystal Lake, Illinois passed away on August 26, 2018 at Centegra Hospital McHenry, Illinois, surrounded by his family after a courageous fight with lung cancer.

Herbert was born on February 18, 1958 in Two Harbors, Minnesota, of the late John and Mildred (Gordon) Hanson. Herbert was a tribal member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.  Herbert was a 1976 graduate of Bayfield High, Bayfield, Wisconsin. Family and his Native American heritage was the most important element in his life. Herbert wore many hats in his field of expertise including heavy equipment operator, general carpenter, maintenance of water & sewer department, and a loving daycare provider. His favorite past-time was bowling and hanging out with his friends at Metro Bowl.

On July 1, 2000, Herbert married the love of his life, Theresa L. Wagman at the “old dock” in a traditional native ceremony in Redcliff, Wisconsin.

Herbert is survived by his loving wife, Theresa “Terri” Hanson; his two step daughters, Janet (Eric) Feddeler of Crystal Lake and Kimberly Massman of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Angelika, Elanore, and Conrad Feddeler; and his 5 siblings, Myrtle (Frank) Gordon, Bernard (Patti) Hanson, Roberta Hanson, Janice (Thomas) Morris and Thomas (Laurie Koval) Hanson; his brothers-in-law, Kenneth (Tracy) Wagman, David Wagman; Bryan (Wendy) Wagman and Robert (Sarah Lee) Wagman; sisters-in-law, Elise (Mark) Wood, Donna Wagman, Bonnie (Edward) McAllen, Linda Gregerson and Carol Wagman; mother-in-law, Elizabeth (Betty) Wagman; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and special friends, Edward and Cindy Butterfield.

Herbert was preceded in death by his parents; step-son Robert “Robbie” Massman; brothers, Joseph, John Jr., Timothy and Howard; sisters, Josephine and Dorothy; brother-in-law, Donald J Wagman; and father-in-law, James M Wagman.

A Native celebration of Life for Herbert Hanson will be held at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave (Rt. 176) Crystal Lake, on Saturday, September 1, 2018 with visitation from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. with a 6:00 pm ceremony lead by James Pete of Red Cliff Tribal Officiate.

An additional Native Celebration of Life for Herbert Hanson will be held at Boys and Girls Club of Gitchigami Red Cliff, 89645 Youth Center Dr, Bayfield, WI, 54814, with visitation on Sunday, September 2nd, 2018 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., followed by a Memorial service on Monday, September 3rd, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon, led by James Pete, Tribal Officiate.

Burial will be at a later date, Redcliff, Wisconsin cemetery.