Barbara J. "Barb" Hanson

Barbara Jean Hanson died peacefully and surrounded by family on October 30th, 2026. She was born in Spencer, IA on October 13, 1942. She was the first of three children born to O. Dale All and Bertha Esther Lillian All (Dryden). Barbara graduated from Spencer High School in 1961. She continued her education, graduating from the University of Iowa College of Nursing in 1965. She and Dudley were married on May 28, 1965, and began their life together in Hannibal, MO.

Barbara and Dudley moved to Davenport, IA in 1966. Barbara worked as a registered nurse at Davenport Osteopathic Hospital before settling into her beloved role as homemaker and mother for their four children. She mastered her skills in the form of hand–sewn Halloween costumes, homemade bread and designing holiday tablescapes that brought a warmth and a touch of home to every seat.

If you were lucky enough to have a seat at her table, Barbara’s love language became deliciously evident. Ever the consummate hostess, she prepared amazing meals inspired by creativity, a Bon Appetit subscription and insightful use of ingredients. Every Autumn, she and Dudley spent a week making lefse for the holidays, a treasured tradition that brought joy to family gatherings for years.

Barbara lived the spirit of “reduce, reuse, recycle”. Whether tending her garden, composting, or rescuing worn furniture in need of a second chance, she found purpose in preserving and renewing. Making sure her dining room could handle all family and guests, she refinished a large farmhouse dining table and re-caned all 15 chairs seated around it. She excluded no one and met all with a warm smile and holiday hug.

Being a great mom and grandma was Barbara’s specialty. She would provide well-rounded brown paper bag lunches and always had her “taxi” service in full swing for the kids. She cared deeply about education and was affectionately referred to as “Mrs. MMMBop” when at age 55, she became a paraeducator at JB Young Junior High School.

Barbara and Dudley entered into retirement with the same vigor that they displayed throughout their lives. They always had a “go bag” by the front door when a bed and breakfast or sightseeing idea needed to be explored. This included as many trips as possible to see their kids and grandkids. She was devoted to their memberships in the Society of American Military Engineers, Sons of Norway and Colonel Davenport Historical Society.

Barbara never wanted to miss the last word of the night and was always the last one to bed after any gathering. She was always curious and wanted to learn more, enjoying Bible Study Fellowship, The Questers Antiquing group, Impact Life, donating 10 gallons of blood during her lifetime. With more than 30 scrap books created and a talent for funny and uplifting Christmas letters, the family has many wonderful memories.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 61 years, Dudley M. Hanson. Children: Kristin (Matthew) Wilber, Joel Hanson, Meredith (Andrew) Tessier and Melanie Hanson; Grandchildren: Maddie Wilber, Olivia Wilber, Samuel Tessier and Gabriel Tessier. Her sister, Lynne All Schweitzer of Bend, OR and brother, James (Mary) All of Apple Valley, MN. Many nieces and nephews and extended family, every one of which she loved and kept track of as well as she could in her declining years.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Silvercrest at Garner Senior Living and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care. It was a blessing to witness the love and attentiveness to comfort and dignity.

A memorial celebration will be observed on Saturday, November 14th, 2026, at Halligan–McCabe–DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice.

Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.