Terry and Mary Ann Hanson

Funeral Information

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in their name to the Thumb Animal Shelter, 2260 S. Elkton Rd. Elkton, MI 48731. A celebration of their lives will take place on November 22, 2025. A graveside service will take place at Verona Township Cemetery at 11:30. A luncheon will immediately follow at the FOP Lodge located at 1976 N.Verona Rd, in Rapson. Flannel attire is requested.

Family of the Deceased

They are survived by their children, Bob Papke of Bad Axe and Lana (Bill) Watkoski of Traverse City. Grandchildren, Paul Watkoski of New Port News, VA, Robert Watkoski of Tampa, FL, Lindsay Watkoski of Traverse City, Ashlyn (Nathan) Peterson of Kinde, Abbi Drews of Grayling; two great-granddaughters, Georgia and Maisie Peterson of Kinde; his brother Gene (Linda) Hanson of Cass City; Sister-in-laws Sharon Hanson of Ubly, Shirley Papke of Kingston, and Brother-in-law Jack Wisneski of Kinde; and many nieces and nephews and their faithful dog Ruby. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dale Hanson, Jay (Alice) Hanson, and Ross Hanson; and sisters Dawn Wisneski and Joy (Elmer) Linner. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Charles (Shirley Ellis) Papke, Shelbie (Ted) Ripperdan, Ellen (James) Bush, and Harry Carl Papke Jr. The family extends heart- felt thanks to all the staff on Elm at The Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City for their wonderful care of mom for the last six months and to all the staff at McLaren Thumb Region in Bad Axe for their wonderful care of both of them over the past several years, and to all of their Verona neighbors for "keeping an eye on them". Your kind gestures over the years have not gone unnoticed. Everything from plowing their driveway, getting the mail, groceries, bringing meals, baking pies, mowing the lawn, or helping with their pets. Thank you!

Biography

Terry Kay Hanson, 83, and Mary Ann Hanson, 81, of Verona, a devoted couple for 55 years, both passed away on September 27th, 2025. Terry passed away peacefully at McLaren in Bad Axe. Mary Ann passed away one hour and fifty-three minutes later at Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City. Terry's love, devotion, and patience were beyond evident while caring for Mary Ann, who had dementia. Terry was born in Verona, MI, on March 12th, 1942, to the late Glenn and Glendora (Avery) Hanson. Terry honorably served in the US Army from 1960-62. We thank him for his service to our country. He retired from Nutreina in Ubly. Terry enjoyed hunting in the UP and ice fishing as Lake Simcoe. His yearly vegetable garden was second to none, and he took great pride in it. He was very generous with his harvest, especially his berries and peaches. He enjoyed cooking and canning of all types. Most people know that he had a big booming voice, and if you ever heard him say "STRAIGHTEN UP AND FLY RIGHT", you knew you were in trouble! Mary Ann was born in North Branch, MI on May 7, 1944, to the late Harry and Beulah (King) Papke. Mary Ann enjoyed bingo and a winning scratch-off ticket! We will all miss her famous grilled cheese made on Bad Axe bread (Murphy's white, homemade, uncut). She was known for being a hard worker and passed that quality on to her children. Mary Ann retired from Thumb Plastics in Bad Axe. Mary Ann enjoyed growing flowers and would help with any project after she had a smoke and a coffee break. She was an animal lover, especially strays and rescues, and she liked riding horses. She was a faithful walker in the Ron Foster Benefit Dog Walk in Elkton. They listened to WLEW on the radio every day, all day, with the ladies' line being a highlight. They enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchre. Sunday morning coffee hour was hosted by them, and you learned a lot about neighborhood news.

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