Jeffrey Carl Hanson, age 77, passed away on July 22, 2024 at home surrounded by his family after a 3 year battle with cancer.
Jeff was born on July 30, 1946 to Iver and Sylvia Hanson in Fergus Falls, MN. He spent his younger childhood years on the family farm in Ashby, MN and in Cucamonga, CA. Jeff graduated from Ashby High School in 1965. He then joined the Navy on October 6, 1965. He spent time on the U.S.S. Gridley and the U.S.S. Chara before joining the Riverine Brown Water Navy. His time with the Brown Water Navy was spent as a Boatswain’s Mate on the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on October 26, 1969. Jeff’s time in the service had a great impact on his life.
After Jeff left the service, he returned to the family farm for a short period of time before starting his career with Northwestern Bell in St. Paul in January of 1970.
Jeff married Regina Hargitt in 1971. Together they had daughter Elizabeth in 1973 and continued to live in the metro area. In 1976 Jeff married Rebecca Jane Chance in St. Paul, MN. In 1977 they moved north to Baudette, MN. Together Jeff and Becky had three sons, Carl, Nels and Jay. Jeff and his boys spent many hours throughout their childhood in the woods logging. He always made sure they packed a lunch to eat in the woods. This might be why none of them eat pickle loaf to this day. He usually let the boys go home in time for hockey practice. Jeff found great pleasure in watching his boys play football and hockey through their school years. He also enjoyed having Elizabeth in Baudette throughout her high school years. Jeff’s family will always remember his passion for hunting and fishing. He liked nothing better than to do these things with his kids and grandkids. Jeff was always 100% in the moment.
In 1997 Jeff had to make the decision to continue working with US West and in order to do so, he finished his career in Park Rapids. He spent 6 years working there until his retirement in 2003. He found great enjoyment at their home on Pickeral Lake and managed to accumulate many “treasures” that kept him busy well in to his retirement. After his retirement, Jeff and Becky spent their time between Park Rapids and their home in Baudette. In 2009 Becky took a job in Seward, AK and they found themselves living there for 2 1/2 years. Jeff and Becky were able to spend extra time with their son and his children in Eagle River, AK during their time there. Jeff enjoyed his daily trips to the docks in the harbor and meeting the fishermen. He had a knack for finding a coffee crew no matter if he was in Baudette, Park Rapids or Alaska.
In 2021 Jeff was diagnosed with cancer which eventually led to selling their home in Park Rapids. Throughout his last years, he was able to spend his time doing favorite activities including yearly trips to Medora, ND, family get togethers at Thresherman’s in Dalton, MN, spring and fall trips to the “shack” near Littlefork, drives out to the hunting land, some trips to the Northwest Angle and most importantly time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Jeff is survived by his wife Becky of 47 years, daughter Elizabeth (Robert) Johnston, sons Carl, Nels (Courtney), Jay (Emily) along with 8 grandchildren: Karalee Parsons, Ryan Johnston, Isabella and Holt Hanson, Iver, Talia, Finn and Signe Hanson. He is also survived by his brothers Jan (Monica), Fred (Rosemary), James (Laurie), Craig (Kathy) and sister Bernice (Dave) Lapash; brother-in-laws Frank Chance, Greg Chance; sister-in-laws Debbie Chance and Lynn Chance as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Iver, mother Sylvia, brother Roger, brother-in-laws John Chance and David Chance.
A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, August 3 at 1 PM at the home of Nels Hanson, 501 Riverview Dr SE, Warroad, MN.
Last modified: 07/31/2024
