Danny Laverne Hansen

Turlock, California - Danny LaVerne Hansen was born in Merced, California on October 6, 1938 and passed away at the age of 85 on July 25, 2024. Dan was diagnosed with COPD 17 years ago. He lived and coped with COPD with resilience, determination and humor. Dan spent most of his life in Merced. He was raised by his parents Gladys and Albert Hansen and was the youngest of his three siblings Doreen, Marvin and Eldon.

Dan met the love of his life in Merced, Gloria Cracco Hansen. They were married on her birthday October 17, 1959 and remained married until Gloria's untimely passing in September 2023. They raised two children Brian Hansen and Cathie Hansen Bernardi.

Danny was a straight shooter. If he had something that needed to be said, he would say it. He also had a heart of gold. He was a kind man. Dan was an avid reader and wrote beautiful and funny poetry. Dan loved being on the water. He and Gloria had a houseboat on Lake McClure for many years. They enjoyed spending summers and a few cold winter nights on the water. Dan and Gloria eventually built their dream home high on the mountain above Lake Don Pedro with beautiful views of the lake.

Dan began his career after high school working alongside his father in-law, Peter Cracco farming tomatoes for the fresh market. They were members of the "Merced Tomato Growers Co-Op" and spent years in the business. After farming, he worked at "Parkers Hardware" running their small engine repair shop. This led him to open his own retail and repair shop in Livingston, "Hansen's Saw and Lawnmower". He ran the business until retiring in the late 1990's. He soon became bored and took a part time job helping his long-time friend Mike Justus who owned "Justus Lawnmower" in Turlock. He enjoyed being back in the business where he finished his career and finally retired.

Dan loved sports. The Boston Red Sox and The Los Angeles Rams were his teams. He was blessed to have gone to Fenway Park on a trip with Gloria. He said it was one of his life highlights. He also attended several Rams games with his son Brian during their many "Brotherhood" trips.

Dan made great friends in his life and would have done anything for them. Most importantly, he loved his family deeply. He is survived by his son Brian (wife Kristina), daughter Cathie (husband Joe) and grandsons Jared and Dylan and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like, please donate in Dans name to the "American Lung Association", www.lung.org or "The Kayla Bernardi Bee Positive Foundation", P.O. Box 307, Turlock, CA 95381, www.beepositivefoundation.org.

A celebration of life, for all who knew and loved Dan will be held on August 14, 2024 at Vista Ranch in Merced starting at 1 p.m. (7326 East Highway 140) Please come join the family in remembering Dan and celebrating his life.