Dennis Hanson

Dennis Merlin Hanson, an avid outdoorsman and a native of the Glenwood area, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 15 at home after a long battle with cancer. He attained the age of 80 years, 7 months and 1 day. Dennis Merlin Hanson was born May 14, 1931 at his parent's home in Glenwood, Minnesota, the son of Ferdinand and Hazel (Skarsten) Hanson. He was baptized on June 14, 1931 at Chippewa Falls Lutheran Church in Sedan, Minnesota; and confirmed into the Christian faith on May 13, 1945 at Glenwood Lutheran Church in Glenwood. He attended school in the Villard and Glenwood areas. After high school, Denny worked for area farmers and in 1950, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the aircraft carriers Saipan and Coral Sea, during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954. On November 7, 1953, Dennis was united in marriage to Joyce Leonituk in Richmond, VA. Upon discharge, they moved to Minneapolis where Denny attended Dunwoody Institute for the plumbing and pipe fitting trade. The couple was blessed with five children and 48 years of marriage. Denny worked in Cutco sales for 5 years, then went on to work as a pipe fitter in Minneapolis until his retirement in 1993. The next year, they moved to Swift Falls. Joyce passed away in 2001. Denny married Pearl Gorvin in 2003 and they moved to Willmar in 2011. Denny is survived by his wife Pearl of Willmar; his children: Deena Hanson of New Orleans, LA, DeLinda (Bob) Beattie of Eagan, David (MaryLee) Hanson of Apple Valley, Diane Hanson (Philip Dickey) of Mankato, and Dorie (Mike) Enger of Prior Lake; three step-children: Gregory (Julie) Gorvin of Savage, Geoffrey (Kelly) Gorvin of Baxter, and Ginni (David) Huntimer of Colman, SD; ten grandchildren: Angelina Hanson, Willie and Ashley Beattie, Sean & Zachary Eastling, Katie & Dennis Hanson, Jon & Danielle Enger, and Logan Dickey; six step-grandchildren: Eric & Adam Gorvin, Niki & Sarah Gorvin, Madeline Huntimer, and Rachael Davis; two great grandchildren: Chloe and Carson Halvorsen; two step-great grandchildren: Ryan and Rosalie Davis; siblings: Phyllis (Jim) Rosten of Concord, CA, Marlowe (Donna) Hanson of Turner, OR, Ferdinand (Ann) Hanson of Woodland, CA, and Doug (Judy) Hanson of Anchorage, AK; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his wife Joyce; his parents; and twin brother Harris Hanson. Memorials preferred to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hospice of Willmar, and MINNAQUA DNR program for introducing kids to fishing.

Dennis Hanson

May 14, 1931 - December 15, 2011

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Dennis Hanson

May 14, 1931 - December 15, 2011

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