CHRISTOPHER HANSON

It is with broken hearts and endless love that we announce that Christopher “Chris” Hanson, 48, passed away unexpectedly on June 5, 2025. Born in Grand Rapids and raised in Bloomington, Minnesota, he was a devoted husband, proud father, beloved son, brother, and friend.

 

Words will never fully capture the kind of man Chris was. No soul could come close to the love, humor, and light he gave so freely. He lived wholeheartedly for others. Every meal he cooked, every joke he told, every game, meet, or performance he showed up to—Chris gave everything he had to the people he loved. His presence wasn’t just felt—it filled the room, lifted hearts, and reminded everyone around him that they mattered.

 

From blasting Radiohead and Queens of the Stone Age in the car, to dancing like no one was watching in the middle of a crowd, Chris brought joy and laughter wherever he went. He didn’t just live—he made life feel full, fun, and safe. He was the chef of our home, the loudest voice cheering from the stands, and the glue that kept us all grounded. At every swim meet, soccer game, hockey match, lacrosse tournament, or cross country meet—he was always there. Rain or shine, he never missed a moment.

 

Chris made people laugh in every room he walked into. His impressions, his offbeat humor, his talent for storytelling—he had a way of turning the ordinary into something unforgettable. He could meet a stranger and walk away with a new friend, and he built lasting relationships across every part of his life: childhood friends, colleagues, couples he and Dannette met together, and countless others who were lucky enough to cross paths with him. His circle of friends was wide, deep, and fiercely loyal—just like he was.

 

He carried so many dreams and plans—things he wanted to build, see through, and share with those he loved. His imagination and passion made life exciting. While we now carry the heavy grief of all that he didn’t get to finish, we also carry his light and legacy forward. We’ll keep telling his stories, chasing the dreams we once shared, and holding on tightly to the joy he gave us.

 

Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Dannette (Bennett) Hanson of White Bear Lake; his three children, Alec, Hannah, and Collin; his mother, Jane Hanson; his brother, Jeff Hanson; and his sister, Julie (Hanson) Goebel. He is preceded in death by his father, John Hanson; grandparents Eunice Schulz, Wally Schulz, Jessie Hanson, and Daniel Hanson.

 

A celebration of Chris’s life will be held at a later date. The family kindly asks for time to rest and heal while planning a memorial that truly reflects the depth, love, humor, and energy that made Chris who he was. Please keep an eye out for updates in the coming weeks.

 

Chris was too good, too loving, too rare. Though this world wasn’t big enough to hold his soul forever, we know he’s somewhere peaceful now—surrounded by beauty, by those we’ve lost, and by the love he gave without condition. He lives on in every laugh we share, every story we tell, and every moment we find the courage to live like he did—boldly, joyfully, and all in.

 

You are forever in our hearts, Chris. Until we meet again.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The American Heart Association, in honor of Christopher’s memory.