Howard Hanson

Howard A. Hanson, 90, of Crookston, MN, died early Friday morning, September 12, 2014, at RiverView Health in Crookston with his wife, Evelyn, and their family at his bedside. Howard was born on his parents' farm near Fisher, MN, on June 3, 1924, one of five children of the union of George and Mabel (Strande) Hanson. At the age of five, he moved with his parents and family to a farm in Fairfax Township, near Crookston, and attended a nearby country school. He later began working on the farm with his father and brothers. These years were the forerunners of what was to come when he began his own farming operation. On August 16, 1947 Howard was united in marriage to Evelyn Brekken. Over the years their marriage was blessed by the births of eight children. Howard was employed by Kelly Oil in Crookston for six years before he started to farm. He took great pride in having his son, Duane, farm with him, knowing that everything would be in good hands when he retired. That day came in 1989 when he and Evelyn moved to their new home in Crookston. Howard was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception parish, and a longtime member of Crookston Eagles Aerie #873. Additionally he belonged to the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers' Association, and was a former board member of Crookston Valley Co-op. When the Red River Valley Winter Shows was still an annual event in Crookston, Howard handled admissions and ticket sales, and enjoyed being an "ambassador" welcoming visitors from near and far. Most important to Howard throughout his long and very contented life were his family, the farm, his faith, fishing, spending time with friends and playing cards. He will be very lovingly remembered and sadly missed. Howard is survived by Evelyn, his beloved wife of 67 years, three sons: Robert (Rene`) Hanson of Springfield, MO, Duane (Karen) Hanson of Crookston, MN, and James (Nancy) Hanson of Okemos, MI; four daughters: Beverly (Andrew) Tucker of Lexington, KY, Kathleen Hanson of Eden Prairie, MN, Connie (Brian) Schendel of West Fargo, ND, and Susan (Jon) Ewers of Inver Grove Heights, MN; 17 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a son-in-law, Donald Martodam of Hawley, MN; 2 brothers, Orland Hanson, and George Hanson and his wife, Nancy, of Crookston; two sisters-in-law, Wanda Brekken of Crookston and Barbara Brekken of Baxter, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Sadly, their daughter, Sandra Martodam, passed away on June 1, 2001. In addition to Sandy, Howard was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mabel; sister, Dorothy and her husband, Mervin "Sock" Wagner; brother Gilman Hanson and his wife, Maxine; and sister-in-law, Vivian Hanson.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Howard Hanson will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 15, 2014, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with The Rev. Vincent Miller presiding. Visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Sunday from 5-7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. led by Deacon Dennis Bivens. Visitation will also be held at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Crookston. Memorials may be given in Howard's name to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or the American Heart Association. Online registry:



www.stenshoelhouske.com

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Service
Monday, September 15, 2014
cemetery
Monday, September 15, 2014