Michael James Hanson

Michael “Mike” Hanson, age 52, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 8th at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria with his wife at his side.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 14th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Pastor Harold Flach officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be Sunday, February 13th from 1:00 to 5:00 at the funeral home. Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers will be Riley Hanson, Taylor Frandin, Justin Schmanske, Scott Sesto, Ben Marshall, Jesse Eich, JJ DeBernardi, Max Wilson, Brian Zaremski, Ali Shakoor, Mark Hanson, Randy Crase and Jerry Siebersma.

Mike was born August 16, 1969 in Morris, Illinois, a son of DuWayne and Jackie (Crase) Hanson. He married Cheri Baxter August 21, 1993 at St. Patrick’s Church in Ottawa. Surviving are his wife, Cheri; children, Danielle Hanson (Justin), Jessica Hanson (Taylor), Ashley Hanson (Jordan) and Riley Hanson; and grandchildren, Brycen, Liam, Kellen and Hunter. Mike also leaves his mother and step-father, Jackie and Jerry Siebersma; brother, Mark (Holly) Hanson and their daughter Jaden; half-brother Mike (Kathleen) Anderson of Texas; “sister,” Billie Jean (Joe) VanDyne; mother-in-law Gloria Baxter; sister-in-law, Chandra Baxter; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his father, DuWayne Hanson; grandparents, Burnell and Violet Hanson and Ray and Mary Ellen Crase; and his father-in-law, Glenn Baxter.

Mike was the proud owner and operator of Starved Rock Guide Service. He earned his USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials in 2018. Prior to turning his passion for fishing into a career, Mike worked as a union plumber. He loved being able to share his fishing knowledge with clients, friends, and strangers of all ages. He especially strived to get the younger generation hooked on fishing. He knew the joy and positive outlet fishing provided him and wanted to share it with the world. As a professional tournament angler, his most prized accomplishment was never a trophy or a title, it was the fishing family he gained and treasured dearly.

It was no secret that Mike impacted many lives. His love for his family, contagious laugh, huge heart and infectious smile left a monumental impact on this world that will be deeply missed. He was one of the most down to earth, genuine guys you could ever meet. He never took life too seriously and his silly and goofy ways always kept us laughing. He took pride watching his family participating in many sports and never missed an opportunity to give even their teammates words of encouragement. He was a proud cooking master that loved to cook for all of his family, friends and clients. He was famous for sharing his chef-like talents on SnapChat. He wasn’t too tech savvy so we loved to tease him about sending us the same snap in 6 different groups instead of posting it to his story. He was the strongest, toughest man but had the kindest heart with a knack for making you feel so special and loved.

His wish is that we all live life to its fullest. Take time for family because life is too short. Work hard but play harder. Think outside the box. Put your head down and grind. Tight lines and keep fishing but NEVER GIVE UP! Cast away all your fears knowing Captain Mike has gone fishin’ in heaven and will be waiting to guide us to all those sweet honey holes when we meet again.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family to fund a project in Mike’s honor to be determined at a later date. To share a memory, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.