Dana Leann Hanson

Dana Leann Hanson, 44, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, left her earthly life on December 8, 2025. She was born January 14, 1981, to Dennis and Cathy (Lutnes) Hanson in Crosby, ND. Dana was raised on the family farm with 1 brother and 2 sisters. There were many shenanigans that took place between Dana and her siblings! Whether it be taking pictures of them while they were sleeping or singing backup to any song. She loved a wide range of music. Especially the song Fancy by Reba McEntire, which she swore was named Nancy. “Who would name their child Fancy?” she would say. Dana went to Divide County Elementary and high school in Crosby, ND, where she graduated in 1999. She played flute for many years while in band.

Dana attended photography school in Missoula, MT after high school graduation, receiving an internship with Belling Photography in Des Moines, IA. She had an extremely natural gift to make people feel at ease and did many special events. She could find beauty in any situation or person. Dana was a fearless, free spirited old soul that loved adventure, going to new places, hiking and hot springs. She had a spring in her step that nobody could match. She was a nanny in Milan, Italy and travelled around Europe and worked the cruise line industry in Alaska. Dana attended UNI in Iowa for early childhood education and graduated, receiving her masters in 2017. She learned Spanish as a second language. Dana was teaching at Tri-County Head Start in Waterloo at the time of her passing. Dana found one of her true passions when she began teaching. She loved the little children she taught. Her name to them was “Miss Dana.” One little boy wanted to take her home for show and tell, he loved her that much. Dana was recently recognized for an opportunity that she was selected for. It read in part: “You have been selected by the Tri-County management team as someone who may be interested in joining our first-ever Staff Leadership Development Cohort.”

Dana married Scott DeVries, they later divorced. Gavin, Caden and Oliver were born to this union. Caden passed from his earthly life at 3 and a half months old on August 30, 2014. Dana loved and adored her 3 boys. She taught them sign language for basic things. Every year at Caden’s passing date, she would post online that she wanted to do something good for other people in honor of Caden. Dana had a great outlook on life even through all the trials and tribulations. She would often say “Life can be so brutal,” then would give a little laugh. Dana was loved by many and left a lasting impact.

Dana is survived by her sons, Gavin and Oliver DeVries, both of Cedar Falls. Mother; Cathy Hanson of Fortuna, ND. Brother; Justin (Brandee) Hanson and son, Tavyn Jacobson of Grenora, ND. Sister; Mandy (Garth) Peterson, Jordyn, Tanner and Nova of Williston, ND. Sister; Brittany (Cody) Saindon of Fargo, ND. Aunts; Terri Lutnes and Laurie (Doug) Sparr. Uncles; Raymond (Susie) Lutnes. Merle (Jean) Lutnes and Keith Lutnes. Aunt; Clara (Vernon) Engberg and Uncle; Paul Palmer and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and close acquaintances.

Dana was preceded in death by her father, Dennis Hanson and her son, Caden. Grandparents; Duane and Maxine Lutnes and Paul and Beverly (Emery Hanson) Palmer. Aunt; Barb (Jerome) Evenson. Uncles; Richard (Analou) Lutnes and Allan Lutnes; Keith’s special friend, Patty. Cousins; John Lutnes and Trevor Shelton. And Great grandparents, Aunts and Uncles.