Wanda Hanson

Wanda Elaine (Wagner) Hanson, 83, formerly from Rock Island, IL, passed away on June 7 at the Deerfield Care Center in Urbandale, IA. She was born on January 25, 1943 in Morris, IL, the daughter of Rudolph and Ivis (Vogen) Wagner. She married Thomas Hanson on January 29, 1966 in Gardner, IL and they became the parents of two sons. 

Wanda graduated from Dwight Township High School where she was active in many activities but focused on theatre. In her senior year, she was named to the American Thespian Society. Following high school she attended and graduated from Augsburg University majoring in theatre. There she was named Augsburg's Woman of the Year and a National Collegiate Player. She did graduate work at the University of Minnesota and, in 2008, became an honorary alumna of Augustana College, Rock Island, IL. 

While her interest and participation in theatre remained, Wanda enjoyed being a homemaker and stay at home mom as she chauffeured her sons to music and sports practices and events. Most recently she was a cast member of the Vintage Voices theatre group in the Quad Cities and with Douglas Productions. 

Wanda was a past board member of the Rock Island YWCA. She was also a member of the Augustana Heritage Society, Rock Island Kiwanis, the American Association of University Women and First Lutheran Church, Moline. 

She is survived by her husband, the Rev. Dr. Thomas Hanson, her sons Marc (ReNee) Hanson of Anoka, MN, and Nathan (Dr. Julie) Hanson of Urbandale, IA, two grandchildren, Bailey (Katie) Hanson of Des Moines, IA, and Sophia (Adam) Slade of Urbandale, IA. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Donald Hanson of Springfield, MO, nieces, and cousins. 

A private family interment will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Thomas and Wanda Hanson Scholarship at Augustana College in Rock Island.