Merlin "Mert" Hanson

Merlin “Mert” Hanson, 82, died September 5, 2022 at Independence Village in Waukee. Per Mert’s wishes, no services will be held.

Born November 15, 1939 to Elnore and Sylvester Hanson in Silver Lake, IA, Mert grew up in Southern Minnesota. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1967 with a degree in business administration and accounting. Upon graduation, he joined McGladrey & Pullen in the Des Moines office and in 1972, became a partner, and also served the firm as a member of the Board of Directors as well as a group administrative partner-in-charge of the central Iowa offices.

Mert was very active in various organizations formed to promote economic development. He was a member of the task force that developed the Golden Circle Loan Guaranty Fund and subsequently served on both its Board of Directors and Loan Review Committee. He also was co-founder of the Venture Capital Club of Iowa. Mert served The Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce as chairman of the Small Business Committee and on the Board of Directors. In 1986 and again in 1991, he was awarded the Small Business Accountant Advocate Award for the State of Iowa by the U.S. Small Business Adminstration. Mert also served in various capacities in Venture Network of Iowa as well as several boards. He was past chair of the International Board of Directors of Goodwill Industries International, Inc. and Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa. A Certified Public Accountant, Mert was a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts (AICPA) and the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants.

In his personal life, Mert was an avid tennis player and also enjoyed golfing and traveling. He was a caring husband, father, and grandfather.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Linda of 62 years; his children, Joel (Mindi) and Jacqueline; grandchildren, Jason, Brady, Tanner, Spencer, Sydney Anna-Mae, Shaefer and Kendyl.

Mert was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Vonice, Mike and and infant sister, Sylvia.

Memorial may be directed to Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa and condolences expressed to the family at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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