Daryl M. Hanson

Rev. Daryl Martin Hanson died May 17, 2024, at the age of 71. He was born in Appleton, WI, on June 14, 1952, to Harold and Inez (Botker) Hanson. Daryl's earliest jobs were at a Wisconsin paper mill and a hardware/hobby store. After high school, he pursued his call to ministry. In 1978, he graduated from Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, MO) with a Master of Divinity. Daryl embarked on a life of service and teaching. In addition to serving as a parish pastor, he also was a volunteer firefighter in Mokena, IL. Throughout his ministry, Daryl was also called to serve in Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama, and Ohio. He transitioned to chaplaincy in different communities. Ultimately, he became a Certified Supervisor through the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education. Daryl and two colleagues formed the Spiritual Care and Education Center (Toledo, OH) to train chaplains. He returned to parish ministry where, after serving several congregations, he retired from St. John’s Lutheran Church (Toledo, OH) on April 30th, 2024.

While an undergrad, Daryl met the love of his life, Mary Jane (Thomay) and they were wed on September 18, 1976. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters. Daryl was a craftsman and enjoyed woodworking, pottery, baking, making chocolate covered sweets, winemaking, photography, and community theater. He enjoyed gathering with family and friends to play Pinochle, Euchre, Sheepshead, and other games.

Daryl enjoyed his sweets and later in life craved shrimp, olives, and pickles.

Left to mourn Daryl: his wife of 47 years Mary; daughters Jennifer (Scott) Krankowski and Sarah (Kevin) Styer; grandchildren Aaron and Isaac; siblings Darlene (Richard) Weaver, Darwin (Karen) Hanson, Darroy Hanson, Darice (Jeff) Button; and several aunts, an uncle, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents and many other beloved family members.

The family will welcome visitors on June 7, 2024, from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Walker Funeral Home (5155 W. Sylvania Ave.) and from 9 am to 11 am on Saturday, June 8, 2024, with a memorial service beginning at 11 am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a contribution to Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org) or ELCA Good Gifts (https://goodgifts.elca.org/).