Michigamme, MI – Neil H. Hanson, age 68, of Michigamme passed away on Monday, July 1, 2024, at UP Health System Marquette surrounded by his loving family.

Neil was born in Chicago, IL, on December 20, 1955, a son of the late Jaqueline Ada (Marbach) and Roy Julian Hanson. Neil grew up in Blue Island, IL, and attended Dwight D. Eisenhower High School where he excelled in athletics, history and math. He attended Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL, on an athletic scholarship where he played football and was a proud member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Neil's working career was highlighted by two main careers, first as a floor manager on the Chicago Board of Exchange, and secondly as the Township Clerk for Michigamme Township where he served the community he truly loved. In between those careers, Neil served several area auto dealerships and shops in Marquette County as a service advisor and manager.

Neil loved his family and was proud to be the father of his four eagle scouts. He enjoyed following his son's sporting activities, especially when they played football at NMU where he never missed a home game, along with his youngest son's professional musical career where he could be seen at every local show. Neil spent his summers on Lake Michigamme since age five which had a profound effect on his and Kathi's decision to move to Michigamme 30 years ago. He felt strongly that the Michigamme area was special and thought it was important to support it, leading him to serve on the Lake Michigamme Property Owners Association (LMPO) for many years as it's treasurer. Neil was an amazing partner to his wife Kathi and showed his love in many ways, such as traveling extensively to support her art career, and making sure she had fresh flowers at every airport pickup. He enjoyed reading, playing guitar, listening to records, tinkering with new hobbies, chatting history and current events, swimming, going for pontoon rides with his friends and family on the lake, and a cup of good, hot coffee. His smile could light up a room and he had a special gift for making people laugh. He loved the outdoors, especially the autumn season, and a Lake Michigamme sunset. He was a generous, kind, and wonderful man who brought love and laughter into many lives, and he will be missed.

Neil is survived by his wife of 49 years Kathryn (Bauer) Hanson of Michigamme, his four sons - Jason (Heather) Hanson of Broomfield, CO; Benjamin Cody (Amanda) Hanson of Marquette; Andrew Christian Hanson of Michigamme; Brett Julian Hanson of Michigamme; 3 grandchildren - Wyatt, Avery, Ellie Hanson, two sisters, Sue Hanson of Chicago, IL, Linda (Steve) Flanagan, of Leavenworth, KS; brother-in-law Carl Lindokken of Chicago, IL, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Paul Bauer and sister Julie Lindokken.

A celebration of Neil's life will be held from 4:00 until 6:00PM on Friday, July 5, 2024, at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming with a time to share memories at 5:45pm. Interment will take place at the Lakeview Cemetery in Michigamme.

Neil's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.