Jay Hanson

JAY D. HANSONage 39, of Elburn, passed away Saturday morning, February 28, 2004 at Delnor Community Hospital, Geneva, IL, where he was taken after a sudden collapse at his home, Sunday evening , February 22. Following emergency surgery to repair a ruptured brain aneurysm, Jay silently battled for life while family and loved ones kept vigil in person and in prayer. By Saturday morning, it was clear that Jay could not return here. His loving family released him to the care of loved one’s gone before; gave to others, the Gift of Hope through multiple organ donations and for themselves, kept the gift of Memory. In the hearts of loved ones and the very lives of strangers, Jay will live on. BORNHe was born November 16, 1964, the son of Donald L. and Ceryl (Hartman) Hanson.in Aurora, IL. CHILDHOOD / EDUCATIONJay grew up in the Sugar Grove area attending local schools including Kaneland High School, Maple Park, where he graduated with the class of 1983.Following graduation, Jay took a job at All-Steel Manufacturing, Aurora. There, he met Laurie Peterson, the love of his life, who would become his wife. Jay and Laurie were united in marriage on September 9, 1989, at her parent’s home in Millbrook, IL. They made their home in Batavia for a number of years before moving to Elburn several years ago. After Jay left All-Steel, he went to work for Fox Valley Drywall and learned the skill of taping and finishing. He learned his trade from the master as he did his apprenticeship with his uncle, Darryl Hanson. For the last fourteen years, Jay has applied the skills he learned in homes and businesses throughout Northern Illinois. He was a member of the Painter’s Union, Local #448.Jay was a devoted dad who attended his daughter, Abby’s soccer games and shared his love for the "world of mechanics" with her. Together they rode snowmobiles and four-wheelers; he was the "man" in her life and she was his world. Jay always had a Friday night "date" with his girls, Laurie and Abby, making a tradition of going out to dinner. Jay loved hunting (both bow and shotgun), fishing and trap shooting, sports that he shared with his dad, his brother, Joel and his Uncle Darryl. They shot together in the spring and fall leagues at the St. Charles Sportsman’s Club, Elburn. He was a "perfect son" who was always willing to do anything that was asked of him. Whether he was fixing something for someone else or building his own motorcycle, he loved working with his hands.A Cub’s fan and a Ford man, Jay had a quick wit, a gift for teasing, a generous heart and brought the best of life to all who knew him. SURVIVORS:Jay is\\\\\\\\ survived by his wife, Laurie and their daughter, Abby, of Elburn;His parents, Donald L. (Margie) Hanson, Jr. of Elburn and Ceryl (Robert) Benson of Batavia, IL;One brother, Joel (Jennifer) Hanson of Aurora;One step-brother, Dan (Amy) Benson and their son, Gus, also of Batavia; His paternal grandfather, John Walton of Elburn;His maternal grandmother, Jeannette Hartman of Sugar Grove, IL;His mother-in-law, Kay Worley of Millbrook, IL;One sister-in-law, Shelley (Mark) Brown of Yorkville, IL and their family:Aaron, Stephanie, Jacob and Tyler. In addition, he is survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as a community of friends whose lives were richer for having known Jay Hanson.PRECEDEDHe is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Donald F. Hanson, Sr. and Ruth Walton;His maternal grandfather, Deverl Hartman, his father-in-law, Frank Worley and one special aunt, Bena Horn.Memorials in his name may be made to the Jay Hanson Memorial and Maield in care of PO Box 66, Elburn, Il 60119

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 3, 2004 at 10:30am at the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church on South Main St., Sugar Grove, IL.

Interment will follow at at the Sugar Grove Cemetery on Merrill Rd.