Donovan Leroy Hanson Obituary (1934 - 2018)

Donovan Leroy Hanson, 83, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather died in Boise, Idaho on June 7, 2018. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 13 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 4921 N. Mitchell St. in Boise, Idaho. A viewing will be held at the church from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, and again from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday prior to the services. Burial will be at the Idaho Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements by Zeyer Funeral Chapel, Nampa. 208-467-7300 Donovan was born to Emil and Gertrude Hanson on October 9, 1934 in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. In 1955 Don joined the Air Force, where he was a communications repair specialist until he was honorably discharged in 1959. After leaving Parkers Prairie, Don moved to Boise, Idaho where he worked "up on the mountain" monitoring the KBOI television signals above the Treasure Valley. He married Jan Obenauer in 1963, and they had four children. After several years working for KBOI, he started his own business as a general contractor, so he could be more involved at home. He discovered that he enjoyed digging and moved from being a General Contractor to starting Hanson's Excavation where his motto was: "I'll move the earth for you." Don loved digging in the dirt and was always willing to teach others to do the same. Jan died in 1974, and Donavon became both mother and father to their four kids. Four years later, he met Reba Cale and after a whirlwind of a dating relationship, they married just two months later on August 5, 1978. With the addition of Reba's five children, they quickly became a family of 11. They survived the challenges of being a blended family, and Donavon provided stability, love, and continuity to all nine children. Don and Reba also provided a loving home for Don's mother until she passed away in 1986. Don was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was an avid genealogist. He became an expert in Swedish records and did temple work for many of his ancestors. In 1999 Don and Reba served a full-time mission in Frankfurt, Germany for 18 months. Don continued working part-time after their mission and finally retired. He sold his prized possession, his backhoe, at the age of 73. In retirement, Don and Reba loved traveling, visiting family and friends, and just being together. Wherever mom was, Dad was sure to follow. Don is survived by his wife, Reba as well as their children: Ben Cale (Laura) Las Vegas, NV, Mark Cale(Lora) Draper, UT, Ron Cale (Crystal) Bowling Green, KY, Holly Mundlin (Richard) Boise, ID, Amy Gollihar (Brad) Dublin, CA, Kris Befus (Derek) Lehi, UT, Steve Hanson (Laura) Highland, UT and Katie Thatcher (Aaron) Meridian, ID. He also survived by his sister, Mary Robinson (Ken) of Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Robert; son Steve Cale (Lauri); and his first wife Jan Obenauer. Donavon and Reba have 32 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank all of Don's caregivers throughout his illness including the VA Hospice Center in Boise, Idaho for their outstanding care and love during his last months.