Eugene A. Hanson, 92, of Peterson passed away at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital, La Crosse, Wis., on Monday, November 11, 2019.
He was born in Winona on October 27, 1927, to Oscar and Gena (Dale) Hanson. He graduated from Peterson High School in 1945, and enjoyed his entire life farming in the Peterson area.
On June 28, 1952, he married Bernice Sande at the Arendahl Lutheran Church.
Eugene was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Peterson, where he served on the church council. He served 20 years on the Peterson School Board, as well as several years on the Farmers’ Cooperative Elevator Board in Rushford.
Eugene’s lifelong love of horses, family, and farming translated into many adventures over the years — from working fields with a team of Percherons, to getting three or four kids at a time on a favorite horse, Goldie, to riding trails through the mountains of Montana. After hiking to Grinnell Glacier at Glacier National Park, his grandchildren presented him with the “tough old bird” award. He continued to be active on the farm until age 91.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ordell Gary Hanson, sisters Clarice Highum, Betty Rasmussen, Olive Leland, and Irene Hanson.
He is survived by Bernice, his wife of 67 years; and six 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. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Ryan Olson, Brenna Theede, Stephanie Ogier, Emily Hignell, Elianna Hanson, and Carly Conway; and seven great-grandchildren: Lydia and Anissa Olson, Brody, Weston, Karina, Bennett, and Bronson Theede. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 16, at Grace Lutheran Church, Peterson, with Pastor Sarah Walker Brown officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, November 15, at Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford, and one hour prior to the service at Grace Lutheran Church, Peterson. Burial will be at Grace West Cemetery, Peterson. The family suggests memorials to the donor’s choice or Grace Lutheran Church, Peterson. Please share a memory of Eugene and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.