Our mom, Bernice Kathleen (Sande) Hanson, was born December 24, 1931, to Bernhard and Karina (Bremmer) Sande. She passed away Sunday, October 31, 2021, at her home in Peterson. She grew up on their farm near the Boyum Schoolhouse in rural Peterson. As a child she learned to “pitch in” and had funny stories about mad roosters and shocking grain at home and for neighbors.
Her elementary school years took place in the one-room schoolhouse just down the hill. She went to high school in Peterson, and after graduation attended Winona Teacher’s College. After teaching 4th and 5th grade for a year in Spring Grove, she realized she knew the love of her life and settled down two miles from her childhood home. She and Eugene Hanson were married on June 28, 1952. They raised their six children on the Hanson farm and were active in their church, school, and community.
Our Mom eagerly welcomed visitors to our home and always said goodbye with “Thank you for coming, and COME AGAIN!” Her baking was famous – there were always fresh breads, cookies, bars, and other desserts. Her big garden produced a winter’s worth of canned and frozen vegetables. She loved making jams, jellies, and pickles, and kids were sent to pick anything that was ripe! Bernice instilled her signature tough work ethic in her children and made sure they knew to take care of family first, but to also lend a hand to others.
She was a devoted and cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandma who followed everyone’s church and school activities. Her piano and organ skills were put to use at church services, for soloists needing accompaniment, and for sing-alongs with extended family.
Bernice is survived by her children: Julie Hignell of Ely, Minn., Beth (Gaines) McFadden of Great Falls, Mont., Kathryn (John) Ogier of Durango, Colo., Daniel (Sherlyn) Hanson of Peterson, Minn., Peggy (Dan) Olson of Lewiston, Minn., and Kristi (Paul) Conway of Winona, Minn.; six grandchildren: Ryan Olson, Brenna Theede, Stephanie Ogier, Emily Hignell, Elianna Hanson, and Carly Conway; seven great-grandchildren: Lydia and Anissa Olson, as well as Brody, Weston, Karina, Bennett, and Bronson Theede; siblings Charlene (Gerry) Hegland, Olive Ann (Karrol) Boyum, and Winifred (Carroll) Johnson; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Eugene A. Hanson; parents Bernhard and Karina, brother Wesley Sande, and sister Elsie “Delores” Sande.
A funeral service for Bernice will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 4 at Grace Lutheran Church in Peterson, Minn. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 3 at the Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford as well as one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday at church. Interment will be at the Grace West Cemetery of Peterson.