John D. Hanger, 91

John D. Hanger, a World War II veteran, left his earthly body behind on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, Pearl Harbor Day, with his family at his side. He was 91 years old.

John’s love for God, family and country framed his life. John David Hanger was born Nov. 10, 1921, in Whitefish to John H. and Marie Hanger. The eldest of four children, John attended the Central School in Kalispell and was baptized at the Central Christian Church.

The Hanger family moved to Missoula in 1935, and John graduated from Missoula County High School in 1939. He attended the University in Missoula and delivered Western Union telegrams on his bicycle.

John joined the U.S. Navy on Sept. 12, 1942. He served during World War II in the Pacific Theatre as an aviation metalsmith in CASU-20 on the island of Roi-Namur in the northern part of the Kwajalein atoll in the Marshall Islands. He was honorably discharged in Dec. 1945, and began his long, distinguished career with the U.S. Postal Service one year later.

Many people remember John’s exemplary customer service at the Hellgate Station, Kent Street office, traveling as an inspector, and later at the Huson Merc and post office where John and his wife Joan worked together prior to retiring in 1992.

John married Mary Lou Wood in 1947. She passed away in 1962. As a single dad, John became PTA president at Prescott School. There he met Joan Cochran, the school secretary, and they married on Bastille Day, July 14, 1963, at the First Christian Church.

John worked long and hard hours, all in the pursuit of providing for his loved ones. At the end of every day, family was most important to John. He had an amazing voice and ear for music. Music was present throughout his entire life. He was a sports fan, and a family fun day was a Griz game at Dornblazer Field or at Dahlberg Arena. John spent many happy hours attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting and musical events.

In retirement, John and Joan enjoyed traveling to visit family, especially Yuma, Ariz. in the winter. He and Joan also attended 18 consecutive CASU-20 Navy Reunions all over the country.

John was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lois; brother, Howard; and grandson, Bert. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Joan; his five children, Karen and Glen Adams, Nancy McIntyre, Susan and Jon Alper, John C. and Jennifer Hanger, and Julie and Greg Robitaille. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Ben Smith, Libby Fields, Shawn McIntyre, Christine and Michael Allred, Jon and Sophie Hainline, Larisa, Zachary, Katia and Ana Hanger; and five great-grandchildren.

The Hanger family thanks the employees at The Springs of Missoula for their excellent care of John over the past several years. It was heartwarming to witness the steady stream of caregivers coming by to give John a hug and a kiss and wish him well on his journey free from Parkinson’s. Thanks also to Aspen Hospice for their compassion and care.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 10 at the First Christian Church, 2701 South Russell Street, in Missoula, followed by burial in Missoula City Cemetery and a reception at the First Christian Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Garden City Funeral Home.

Memorials in John’s name may be made to the First Christian Church or the American Parkinson Disease Association, www.apdaparkinson.org