Dennis Nels Hanson

Dennis Nels Hanson, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, favorite uncle, and friend passed away while surrounded by the love of his life and precious family at the University of Utah Hospital February 24, 2025 at the age of 87 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia. 

Dennis was born December 18, 1937 on the family kitchen table in Salt Lake City, Utah to Almina Marie Sorensen and Harmon Hanson. He was the youngest of 8 children. Dennis met the love of his life, Janice Kaye Grow, at a church Valentine’s dance in South Salt Lake when he was just 16 years old. Four years later, on February 14, 1958 Dennis and Janice were married in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for time and eternity. Having a love story that movies are made of, they just celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Everyone admired the love and care he gave to his “Sweetheart”.

Growing up in very humble circumstances, he learned the value of hard work early in his life. At the age of 11, he started working on cars at Hanson Auto which was owned by his two brothers Elon & Glen. His love of cars grew from there becoming the best mechanic around. After high school he served 6 years as a Sergeant in the 144 Evacuation Unit of the Army National Guard as a cook. 

Dennis & Janice are blessed with 5 wonderful children, 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. His family meant the world to him and he made sure to put them first. He often had to work three jobs to support his family and mounting medical bills. He went on to work at University of Utah in the Athletic department and was shortly transferred to the Motor Pool after rebuilding a vehicle for one of the Vice Presidents. He was in charge of all of the motor vehicles at the University of Utah, over 500 cars & buses. He continued to work in the University ticket office until March of 2020. 

Dennis was very active in his community and a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Dennis served in many callings in the church throughout his life, both at the ward and stake level. He enjoyed his time as Young Men President and in the Scouting program. He served in many bishopric’s as executive secretary. He and Janice served a full-time mission in the Salt Lake City South Mission where they loved, and were loved by the many young missionaries they served with. They also loved serving in the temple every week for 5 years, he continued serving for another 3 years due to his love of the people he worked with. 

Dennis served on the Board of Directors at the University Credit Union (now UFirst Credit Union) for 39 years after 7 years on the credit committee. He was proud of his work with the credit union and would make sure everyone he talked to was a member. The people he served with became his credit union family. 

His children and grandchildren will always remember his infectious smile, hilarious comedic faces, and wonderful “Dennis jokes”! He had a remarkable way of making the room brighter with his laughter and sense of humor. 

Dennis is survived by his wife, Janice Kaye Grow Hanson and his children, Jed (Blessing) Hanson, Mindy (James) Dean, Chad Hanson, and Cody Hanson. He is preceded in death by daughter Tonya Kaye Hanson, his parents, and seven siblings. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his nurse, Amanda Poulson, for the loving care provided to him.

Dad, you were larger than life and had a major influence on all those who knew you. We are so happy that you are free from the constraints that you had to deal with. Tonya is so happy to have you back with her and we will take care of mom the way you taught us to. We love you more than you will ever know! Until we meet again. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday March 1, 2025 at 12:00pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Danish Town ward house located at 8170 S. Short Hills Dr. (3425 East) Cottonwood Heights, Utah, 84121. Visitation will be held at the Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E. Bengal Blvd. (7600 South) Friday February 28th 2025 from 6 pm - 8 pm, and Saturday March 1st 2025, immediately prior to the service 10:30 am - 11:45 am. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy Utah.

For those who are not able to attend in person, you can view it online at: https://zoom.us/j/95272785845

In lieu of flowers you may consider a donation to the Live To Inspire Foundation www.livetoinspirefoundation.org