Billie Lee Hanson, 87, died Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus surrounded by loved ones.
Billie was born on August 16, 1935 in Randalia, Iowa to Charles and Naomi (Gray) Hanson. He graduated from Randalia High School. He graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. He worked on his master’s degree at UCLA. He graduated with a master’s degree in astrophysics from the University of Colorado Boulder. He married Geraldine Anderson on June 26, 1960 in Ottumwa, Iowa. They had two children, Alan and Randy. He worked in the space industry for 10 years, and as a process engineer at Viskase Corp in Centerville, Iowa for 40 years. He developed a black walnut orchard on his farm land while working at Viskase.
Billie loved fishing, pickleball, statistics, lapidary, and was very active in his investment club.
Billie is survived by his wife, Geraldine “Geri”; son, Randy; sister, June Sandberg; sisters-in-law, Pat Hanson, Ruby Clark, Deborah (Alan) Dolan; and several nieces and nephews.
Billie is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Naomi Hanson; parents-in-law, David and Agnes Anderson; son, Alan Jon Hanson; brothers, Johnny and Robert Hanson; and sister, Doris McGee.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring.
Memories and condolences of Billie shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
I worked for Billie for many years. Best boss ever. Deepest sympathy to Geri and family. Loved Ben’s walnuts.