Dennis Harvey Hanson, age 88, of Rochester, Minn., died peacefully, surrounded by family on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Mayo Clinic, Saint Marys Campus, in Rochester, Minn.
Dennis was born on March 4, 1936, in Alden, Minn., to William and Carrie (Mickelsen) Hanson. In January 1956, Dennis joined the United States Army and served during the Cold War. He was honorably discharged in 1959. On November 21, 1964 Dennis married Sharon Mensink at Greenleafton Reformed Church in rural Preston, Minn. He was employed by many farmers in the Preston and Harmony area. He also worked in construction. Dennis last worked at Walmart North in Rochester, Minn., for 30 years and retired when he was 84 years old.
Dennis enjoyed spending time feeding the birds, camping fishing, doing seek-a-words, watching golf, baseball, football, and NASCAR racing. He also enjoyed going to the dirt track races at Deer Creek Speedway. Dennis loved spending time with his family. His wife Sharon was his everything. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.
He is preceded in death by his father William Hanson, mother Carrie Hanson, brother Earl Hanson, brother-in-law Grant Wood, son-in-law Greg Stevenson, son-in-law Mark Chappuis, son-in-law Les Kruegel, and great-granddaughter Amara Jo Stevenson.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon; his children, daughter Cindy Hanson of Rochester, Minn., son Jay (Denise) Hanson of Lime Springs, Iowa, daughter Joleen “Jo” (Randy) Bartsh of Plainview, Minn., daughter Alicia “Lish” Hanson-Chappuis of Rochester, Minn.; his nine grandchildren: Ashley (David) Callahan, Caitlin Callahan, Kelly (Ian) Stevenson, Nicole (Mike) Stevenson, William (Ivy) Krugel, Darian Kruegel, Lane (Sam) Bartsh, Kody (Laura) Bartsh and Madison Bartsh; his eight great-grandchildren: Nathan Runia, Adrian “AJ” Callahan, Lillian Daniels, Adeline Daniels, Faith Haberbush, Dustin Kruegel, Nolan Bartsh and Autumn Bartsh; his siblings: sister Shirley (Warren) Hartman of Winnebago, Minn., brother Harlan (Judy) Hanson of Vermillion, S. Dak., sister Doris Wood of Wells, Minn., sister Lynne (David) Smith of Versailles, Ind., brother Vernon (Pam) of Blue Earth, Minn., brother Jerry (Kris) Hanson of Jordan, Minn., brother-in-law Jerry (Marlene) Mensink of Rochester, Minn., brother-in-law Duane (Kathy) Mensink of Greenleafton, Minn.; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
A memorial service will be held for Dennis at 11 a.m., on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Greenleafton Reformed Church in rural Preston, Minn., with Pastor Neil Ohm officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the start of the service at the church. Burial will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn., at a later date.
Online condolences may be left at www.Hindtfuneralhomes.com.
Bev says
He will be missed by many. I had the privlidge of sharing many great times with the family. Great memories. Love All of You.🙏🙏🙏
Tori Kenney says
Such a lovely family. He was blessed to have you all with him from beginning to his ending.. May God bless and comfort you all til you’re joined together in heaven.
Hugs and smiles and so much love sent your way