Diane Rae Hanson-Johnson

Diane Rae Hanson-Johnson of Estero, FL, formerly of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 9, 2025 after a short battle with liver cancer. 

Diane was born on October 1, 1952, to Robert and Helen Jones at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Growing up in West Sioux, she loved spending time with her siblings and going roller skating with friends. She was most proud of her first job at Dairy Dream and reminisced about it often. She graduated from Washington High School in 1971. After graduation, Diane attended nursing school and worked in oncology at Sioux Valley Hospital. During this time, she became a mother to her three treasured children, Tracie, Travis, and Jesse. 

In the evenings, you would find Diane alongside her mother, siblings, and friends dancing where she loved to be in the front row. In 1983 Diane was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a lengthy battle, she was cancer free. At this time, she found her calling in childcare and ran an in home daycare business for over 35 years. In 1997 she met the love of her life, Scott. They were united in marriage on June 26, 1999 and they built their life together in Sioux Falls, SD. For over a decade, Diane served as a program director for foreign exchange students. In this role, she engaged with young adults and had the opportunity to journey to various destinations around the globe including, Portugal, Greece, China, Scotland, Brazil, Equador, and numerous others. This is where she developed her profound love for travel. Diane and Scott spent a lot of their time traveling together whether it was for sporting events for their grandchildren or on one of over 30 cruises that they embarked on together. 

During the summer months in South Dakota, they enjoyed camping at Lake Thompson with Diane's siblings and their friends. When they weren’t camping, they enjoyed hosting family pool parties and barbecues at their home. Christmas was a time of great significance for Diane. She cherished every moment celebrating the season with her family. Diane loved decorating her home from top to bottom, spending countless hours baking goodies and her most favorite part of all, shopping. 

In 2019, Diane and Scott bid farewell to the frigid and snowy winters of South Dakota and relocated to Estero, Florida. Diane had a deep appreciation for the sun, the beach, and the ocean. When they were not enjoying cruises, Diane and Scott spent their time visiting the beautiful Florida beaches, basking in the sun and collecting shells for Diane's many art projects. 

Diane wore many hats throughout her lifetime: mom, wife, grandma, however her favorite of them all was GiGi to her three great grand babies. 

Diane is survived by her husband, Scott, as well as her children, Tracie Engles (Matt) of Estero, FL, Travis Hanson (Barb) of Sioux Falls, SD, and Jesse Hanson (Josh) of Estero, FL. She is also remembered by her four grandchildren, Bailey, Alexis, Ayden, and Landen, along with three great-grandchildren: Cooper, Bayler, and Avery. Additionally, she leaves behind her siblings, Sharon Bettcher (Jerry), Robert Jones (Barb), Penny Alexander (Doug) and Rick Jones. 

Diane was proceeded in death by her parents and sisters Patricia, Marianne & Sandi. A celebration of life will be held in Estero, FL at their home at 13234 Boccala Lane, Estero, FL on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 11am to 2pm. 

A traditional funeral service will be held in Sioux Falls, SD at First Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 11am with fellowship to follow. 

Additionally, a gathering with Diane’s friends and family will be held on March 1, 2025 from 4:30 to 8:30pm at Hampton Inn & Suites located at 3701 Avera Drive, Sioux Falls, SD. Food will be provided, all are welcome.