Bobby G. Hanson
Bobby “Bob” G. Hanson, 94, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the VA Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls. Visitation with the family present will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls. His funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Grace Baptist Church in Sioux Falls. Burial will take place at Hills of Rest Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Gideons International in Bob’s name.
Bob was born near Heaton, ND to Johanas (John) and Gladwin (Covell) Hanson. He grew up on the family farm, graduating from Heaton High School in 1950. During the summers, he would spend all day on an International B Farmall so he could get a ride in his Uncle Gwilym’s airplane. That lead to his love for flying and shaped his future. In Nov 1951, he joined the Air Force and wanted to become a pilot, but spent 12 years as an aircraft mechanic. He was stationed at Amarillo AFB, TX, Scott AFB, IL, Fairchild AFB, WA, Duluth AFB, MN, Korea, and Webb AFB, TX. While in Korea, he worked as a technical advisor to the South Korean Air Force, advising them on the new US built aircraft they had purchased. In June 1954, he married Bernadette (Sally) Brown after being introduced by her brother, one of Bob’s Air Force buddies. While stationed at Webb AFB, he began taking flying lessons, earning his Private and Commercial Licenses, and then became a Certified Flight Instructor. In 1964, he moved from the Air Force to the Army as a helicopter pilot, Flying the H-23, H-13, UH-19, UH-1, CH-47, UH-34, OH-58 and the OH-6. Over the next 8 years he was stationed at Ft Walters, TX, Ft Rucker, AL, Ft Hood, TX, 2 tours in Vietnam, Scott AFB, IL, Ft Eustis, VA, and Stuttgart Germany. His final 2 years in the Army he was a test pilot for Army Aviation Test Board at Ft Rucker, AL. After retiring from the military, he worked as a pilot in Jamestown, ND, then as a pilot/mechanic in Pierre, SD. He was hired as a pilot/mechanic for SD Governor Richard Kniep in 1973 for 3 ½ years. In 1977, they moved to Sioux Falls, where Bob became the general manager of Business Aviation at the Sioux Falls Airport. His jobs included buying and selling airplanes. In 1982 he took over managing a Cessna Citation business jet for Max Pasley of Sioux Falls, and for the next 12 years he scheduled, flew, and did the most of the maintenance on the airplane. The airplane was leased to 13 companies in the Sioux Falls area, keeping him quite busy. When Max moved to Canada in 1994, Bob flew airplanes for several companies in the Sioux Falls area, finally retiring at the age of 70. Bob maintained all of his own cars, and helped many others keep their cars repaired and in running condition over the years.
In 1959, a military friend of Bob and Sally’s introduced them to salvation through Jesus Christ, by his grace, and not of works or anything they could do to be saved and obtain Heaven. They began to attend Bible Studies, became active in the churches they attended, taught Sunday School classes, fought for the unborn, worked extensively with Child Evangelism Fellowship, hosting Good News Clubs in their home for the neighborhood kids. They were active members of the local CEF committees in Pierre and Sioux Falls, and the CEF State Board of Directors in Huron, SD. His desire was to reach children and others with the news that they could be saved from their sins, and go to Heaven by believing in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.
Bob and Sally had two children, Vicki (1955) and Doug (1958). Bob loved Jesus, his wife Sally, his kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bob and Sally celebrated their 70th Anniversary in June of 2024.
Grateful for having shared his life are his daughter, Vicki (John) Daley of Jacksonville, FL; son, Doug (Louise) Hanson of Colton, SD; grandchildren, David (Tania) Mullins, Rachel (Daniel) Haugaard, Hannah (Sean) Mustian, Daniel Hanson (Julie Brennan), Jonathan Hanson, Abigail (Levi) Erickson, Joshua (Jessica) Hanson, Liberty Hanson, and Elianna Hanson; great-grandchildren, Kaleigh, Natalie, Jason, & Caden Haugaard, Kahlil Hollins, Kaylyn & Keira Mullins, Jáel, Alathia, Eden, & Valor Mustian, Magnolia Hanson, Kaitlyn & Caleb Erickson, and Olivia, Tiffany, & Stella Hanson; half-sister, Ann Stotz; sisters-in-law, Noni (Delbert) Frericks, Nancy Brown, & Ruth Brown. Bob is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Johanas and Gladwin (Covell) Hanson; wife, Bernadette “Sally” Hanson; sisters, Lillian Fiebick & Betty Heiden; step-sister, Gertrude Johnson; and step-brothers, Harold & Jim Liedtke.