MOLINE, Illinois — Robert Hanson, former Chairman of Deere & Company, died Thursday, May 19, Trimble Funeral Home and Crematory released Friday.
Hanson, 91, of Moline, Illinois died at the Jupiter Medical Center in Jupiter, Florida.
Hanson graduated from Augustana College in 1948 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He began his career with Deere in 1950 and took over Deere's operations in Spain in 1964. By 1966, he became marketing director of Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Hanson returned to Moline in 1970, was elected Senior Vice President in 1972, and given responsibility for the firm’s overseas division in 1973. He was elected to the board of directors in 1974, succeeded Ellwood Curtis as president in 1978, and became chief operating officer in 1979.
Hanson was named president, chief executive officer, and chairman of the board in 1982, becoming the first non-Deere family member to run the company. He retired as chairman in 1990.
Hanson had been an active supporter and members of numerous organizations both locally and nationally.
Services are 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home , 701 12th Street, Moline with a visitation from 10-11 a.m. Following the service, friends are invited to join the family at a luncheon and hospitality gathering at CityView Celebrations at Trimble Pointe.
Burial at Moline Memorial Park will follow the luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Augustana College or the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.
Memories and online condolences can be shared at www.trimblefuneralhomes.com.