Donald Hanson

Donald Stewart Hanson, formerly of Roseville, MN, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 23, 2021, at 90 years of age. He was residing at White Pines Advanced Assisted Living in Mendota Heights, MN.

Don was born November 15, 1930, to Stewart H. Hanson and Bertina C. (Halvorson) Hanson in Willmar, MN. 

He graduated from Willmar High School class of 1948. Don was proud to be the class president and planned many class reunions. He enjoyed planning their 50th reunion with the few classmates still alive. After high school, he attended Luther College, where he majored in Chemistry and was part of the track team. 

Don enlisted in the Navy and served four years, 1951-1955. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, and was assigned to a supply ship in the Bermudas during the Korean War. After leaving the Navy, he met Joan Iverson at a singles group event at Our Savior’s Lutheran in Minneapolis. He married her on July 28, 1958. Don worked as a business form salesman and designer for Standard Register, Holden, Quality, and American Business forms until his retirement in 2018, at age 88. 

He was blessed with two sons, David and Robert. Don’s hobbies centered around his sons. He served as a Troop Leader for Cub and Boy Scouts, a coach for baseball, basketball, football, and a booster club president. An avid fisherman, Don regularly took his sons fishing and camping, including annual trips to the North Shore and the Boundary Waters until 2019. 

Don enjoyed bowling and golfing in leagues well into his 80s. He liked to show off the certificate of merit he received for a hole in one at Chomonix Golf Course in 2007.  

Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and two sisters Dorothy (Newman), Delores (DeeDee Docken). He is survived by his two sons, David S. (Geri) of Fountain, Robert A. (Delen), and two grandsons (Peyton, Brandon) of Woodbury. 

A family service will be held at Roseville Lutheran Church on April 10th, 2021, at 6 pm, with Don’s nephew Pastor Mark Docken of Chatfield Lutheran Church and Pastor Lauren J Wrightsman  of Roseville Lutheran officiating. Don will be interred at Guardian Angels Church in Oakdale, MN. Memorials may be sent to Roseville Lutheran Church.

Arrangements entrusted to SUMMIT Funeral & Cremation

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