Danny Ray Hanson

Danny Ray Hanson, 81, of Walla Walla, Washington, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, after a brief stay at Brookdale Nine Mile Assisted Living Facility in Spokane, WA.

Danny was born to Glenn & Theresa (Olson) Hanson in Yankton County, SD, on July 15, 1944. He grew up in the Mission Hill and Volin area, graduating from Volin High School in 1962. He was the youngest of 4 children and the most mischievous of them all! Growing up, he helped his parents with their family business, Hanson’s Market in Volin, and worked for many area farmers. He loved playing football, basketball and baseball.

After graduation, Danny excelled in the construction business, moving to Colorado and then Nebraska, where he owned and operated Hanson Construction. He later moved to Washington State where he would become a building project manager for several large companies. He was a very skilled, articulate carpenter who loved the construction building world. He enjoyed all sports, playing and coaching throughout his younger years then enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate.

Danny married Shirley Iverson and together they welcomed two children, Carla and Michael. He later married Kathy Pearson and they welcomed sons Darin and Joe. For the past 26 years, Danny shared his life with his partner, Sandi Hayes, along with their special canine companions, building a home together in Walla Walla.

In his later years, Danny loved coming back to his home stomping ground, Volin, spending time with family and visiting with friends. His most recent journey back to Volin was in July of 2024 to celebrate his 80th birthday! Family and friends gathered from near and far. So much fun was had and so many wonderful memories were created, which are now even more precious to his family.

Grateful for having shared his life are his children, daughter, Carla (Chauncey) Christiansen of Volin, SD, sons, Michael (Laurie) of Gayville, SD, Darin (Sarah) of Bothell, WA, and Joe (Serena) of Thornton, CO. Grandchildren Cayla (Rob) Graves, Platte, SD, Kristopher Hanson, Omaha, NE, Kallie Hanson, Yankton, SD, Kendra (C.J.) Schwinger, Coffeyville, KS, Kerra Meeker, Yankton, SD, Hope, Dylan & River Hanson, Bothell, WA and Kaylee Hanson, Thornton, CO. Great grandchildren, Talli & Tressa Graves, Stanley, Cordell, Jake & Samual Schwinger and Jacob & Jordan Meeker. He also leaves behind many wonderful nieces, nephews and special friend Sandi Hayes of Walla Walla, WA.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn & Theresa Hanson, brother Robert Hanson, sister and brother-in-law Betty & R.J Buckman and sister and brother-in-law Kay & Ron Kjonegaard.