Jason "Jay" F. Hanson

Jason F. "Jay" Hanson, 78 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on, Tuesday, August 15th, 2017 at home. He passed through life on his final journey to join all the people he loved who passed before him into the kingdom of Christ in the care of his guardian angel.

Funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Church of the Nativity with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Entombment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 18th, 2017 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, where a wake service will be held at 3:00 p.m.

He was born on October 14, 1938 in Dubuque, Iowa the son Frank and Elizabeth (Welbes) Hanson

Married Barbara Balk on September 3, 1976 at Grandview Untied Methodist Church.  Jay passed with just his wife at his side, in his words the love of his life. She kept her promise to keep him at their home, till death do us part. A house full of love and so many memories, laughter and tears, life’s up’s and down’s, doors open to all giving and sharing was his life.

Jay founded and operated Care Pest for 40+ years. He loved his work and the people he worked for. To him every man’s home big or small was there palace. Jay died knowing he left them in the very capable hands of his longtime friends and coworker Randy. Randy is the new owner and will continue with providing the same professional skills they both shared. This brought great comfort in these last years.

Jay was his own man, he believed in honestly and fairness, but he never said he was perfect.  He loved our country, country music, nature, NASCAR, classic cars and Door County.

He wasn’t a jealous man, but he sure did enjoy seeing someone’s new “toy” and was happy for their accomplishment.

He loved God and looked to him and found comfort and on early Tuesday morning God granted him peace. Love you, miss you already.

Jay is survived by his wife Barb; his three 4 legged girls Gretchen, Callie and Mandy. His brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John and Barb Balk, Jim and Marie Balk and Robert and Alice Balk along with their families. Special sister-in-law Debra and Wendell Schroeder and their family. His goddaughter Nicole; special nephews Jake and Jen Balk, Matt and Dana Schroeder, Ben and Lisa Schroeder, Adam Balk and all their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law Art and Mary (Houselog) Balk; his brother-in-law Kenny Balk; goddaughter Laurie; and many extended members of the Balk and Houselog families.

We wish to thank our wonderful longtime neighbors and friends, the Krayer’s, The Wagner’s, the Riley’s, the Helling’s, the Darrow’s, the Boge’s, the Lepperts, Ellen J., Beth L., Ken and Shirley Ehlinger, and Kris Rettenmeier. Special thanks to Randy and Nancy Houselog. The Schwendinger family; brothers John, Bob, Jim and Marie for all the hugs; Steve Houselog who was always there when we needed him and Deb for all her prayers. May God bless you, thank you for your support. Thank you to Dubuque Police and Fire & EMS; Hospice of Dubuque Especially Barb and Kristin. To his doctors Dr. Khan, Dr. Kirkendall and his wonderful nurse Kate. Dr. Arnold and the dream team at the Wound Clinic. Dr. Ward; and longtime friend and doctor Dr. Charles Longo.  

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