Erika Panze Hanson

Erika Hanson, 79, of Davenport passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2012 surrounded by her family at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. A private memorial service will be held. Inurnment will be at the National Cemetery, Rock Island, IL. Visitation will be held at Runge Mortuary on Monday, February 20, 2012 from 4-7 pm at the mortuary, where the family will greet friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Palliative Care Program or Bethany Families and Children. Online condolences may be left at www.therungemortuary.com.

Erika was born March 3, 1932 in Kisker, Yugoslavia, the daughter of Johann and Maria Panze. She married Major Robert Hanson (Ret.) in Germany on November 19, 1954. She worked at Wonderbread Bakery until her retirement in 1993. Erika’s hobbies included: golfing, bowling, traveling, enjoying flea markets and shopping. She had always wanted to visit Hawaii again, where her and Robert visited on a trip sponsored by the South Korean Government. She lived in Yugoslavia until the age of twelve and later moved to Germany. She was a strong proponent for children’s health and well-being, due to her growing up in Dachau during WWII. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and the tradition of Sunday family dinners. Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Robert; children: Tina Cooley, Davenport and Michael Hanson, Milwaukee, WI; grandchildren: Stephanie (Mike) Reynolds, Moline and Nathan (Heather) Sickels, Oak Harbor, WA; great-grandchildren: Abigail and Nicholas Reynolds, Moline; and family in Dachau, Germany. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother.