Russell "Russ" Donald Hanson

January 9, 1934 — March 6, 2026

Russell D. “Russ” Hanson, age 92, of Cassopolis, Michigan, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Center for Hospice Care with his family by his side.

Born January 9, 1934, in South Bend, Indiana, Russ was the son of the late Harold and Alice (Muller) Hanson. He attended Riley High School before enlisting in the United States Army, proudly serving during the Korean War era until his honorable discharge in 1958.

On May 12, 1956, Russ married the love of his life, Mary Lou Wachs, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka. Together they shared nearly 70 years of joy, love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Mary Lou survives, along with their children: Julann (Laurence) Bauer of South Bend; Daniel (Laura) Hanson of Stevensville, Michigan; and Christine (Howard) Feiler of Chesterton, Indiana.

Russ was the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren: Elizabeth Styles, Alexander (Alison) Bauer, Joseph (Elizabeth) Bauer, Daniel Hanson II, Lindsey (Seth) Snyder, Lisa Dente, Andrew Feiler, Haley (Bronson) Bigbie, Jacob Feiler, and Rebecca Feiler; as well as ten great‑grandchildren, with another expected in June 2026. He is also survived by his sister‑in‑law, Carolyn Hanson of St. Joseph, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his brother Merlin Hanson, and great-granddaughter Therese Joann Bauer.

A hardworking and innovative businessman, Russ built a career marked by dedication, creativity, and leadership. He remained deeply proud of the companies and colleagues who shaped his professional life, including Weldun International, Bosch, and Hanson International, and most notably as a founder of Eagle Technologies.

Russ lived his faith as a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Cassopolis. He served his community in many ways: as past president of the Lakeshore School Board, where he championed student athletics and music programs; as President of the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Chamber of Commerce; and as a founding member of the Lakeshore Rotary Club. He was also instrumental in the years‑long restoration of the House of David miniature train, which was joyfully gifted to the Michigan Flywheelers Museum in South Haven.

Though Russ and Mary Lou enjoyed many winters in Venice, Florida, Russ was happiest at Diamond Lake, where he spent countless hours golfing, boating, and gathering with family. He was fun‑loving, charismatic, and blessed with a remarkable sense of humor. His grandchildren will forever remember his fantastical stories and the way he could captivate a room with ease.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home in Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka, with military honors and burial to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545, or to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 W. Fourth Street, Mishawaka, Indiana 46544.

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03/10/2026 DEC