In Memory
Merlin J. Hanson
August 7, 1927 ~ June 21, 2022
Merlin J. Hanson entered Heaven in the loving arms of his wife, Carolyn at 1:00 P.M. on June 21, 2022 at home.
He was born to Harold and Alice (Muller) Hanson in South Bend, IN in 1927. His parents were deaf-mutes and his aunt Ruth taught him to speak before entering kindergarten. He only spoke on his hands. He is now talking with his parents and he was so excited about that; to hear their voices.
Merlin has a brother, Russ Hanson. They have a wonderful family and live in Cassopolis on Diamond Lake. He has a very loving wife, Mary at his side. The brothers were very close and worked together always.
Merlin married Carolyn Kellogg on March 8, 1982. They had a wonderful life together and felt that they were soul mates. They loved doing what they could in the community together we were blessed with so many things.
Merlin has four children, Gail (Tom) Matthews, Greg (Connie) Hanson, Debra (Jay) Craig and Scott (Laurie) Hanson; one step-son, Greg (Sue) Kellogg; eleven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He loved them all so much and they all loved him.
Merlin loved golfing, boating, mowing the lawn and working on the landscaping. He loved sitting on the patio with Carolyn, a coke and a newspaper, solving the world’s problems. He also loved talking on the phone. He was a strong Christian and loved God. He and Carolyn had long discussions about their Savior and their eternity together.
He loved to say, “No deposit, no return.”, “If you have pickles and get it going fast enough, you can do anything.”, “The harder you work, the luckiest you get.”, “Come up when you’re down.” (When leaving our home, the last one!)
Merlin was a loving, caring, humble, thoughtful person. The love of Carolyn’s life. Her heart broke but he is at peace and so happy.
A private Family Service will take place on Monday, June 27, 2022 at St. Joseph First United Methodist Church with Pastor Dan Colthorp officiating. A burial at Riverview Cemetery will follow. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, August 7, 2022 (His 95th birthday) at Grand Upton Hall, 1100 Yore Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022 from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M.
The family thanks everyone who cared for him including, Caring Circle and Private Duty. So many, they can’t list. For Greg Kellogg, Merlin wanted to thank him for really being a son and he loved him so very much. He was so caring to Merlin and he appreciated it so much and respected him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caring Circle Hospice, Lake Michigan College, Training Center or Donor’s choice. Those wishing to leave and online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
“Goodbye – He loves you all and so do I. God bless.” – Carolyn Hanson
06.25.2022 djb
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