Russell Hanson, 86, of Webster, Florida ( formerly of Melbourne ) passed away on March 23, 2024. He was born on April 7, 1937 in Stoughton, Wisconsin, the son of Palmer Hanson and Alice Roberts Hanson. After receiving an electrical engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1959, he was employed by the Collins Radio Company of Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he met his wife of nearly sixty years, Wilma. His early assignments included the design of avionics for the Project Apollo project and radios for various government agencies and he was awarded numerous patents.

In 1977, Mr. Hanson was transferred to Melbourne, Florida, to aid in the establishment of the company's Melbourne engineering facilities. His responsibilities included the design of avionics for the general aviation and air transport industries. His interest in aviation led him to earn an instrument-rated pilots license.

After retiring in 1992, Mr. Hanson pursued his hobbies of fishing, genealogy, and the production of exotic cutlery. In addition, he participated in the Melbourne bowling leagues for over forty years. Mr. Hanson was a long time member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Melbourne.

Mr. Hanson is survived by his daughter Terri (Christopher) Sullivan, grandchildren Christopher, Jr., Russell (Sarah), and Zachary ( Rebecca ); and six great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma, and his sister, Lois Beduhn of Madison, Wisconsin.