Phil Hanson

Philemon "Phil" Hanson, 85, Grand Forks, ND died Tuesday, August 21, 2012 in his lake home on Lake Sarah near Erskine, MN. Phil was born August 14, 1927 in Kloten, ND the son of Julius and Kaia (Kroke) Hanson. He graduated from high school at Kloten. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany then attended the Gale Institute in Minneapolis, MN. Phil worked in Wyoming and later in Garrison, ND where he helped to build the Garrison Dam. He moved to Fargo, ND and began working as a Depot Agent for the Great Northern Railway. He worked in several towns in the area before moving to Grand Forks where he worked as a Telegrapher for the Great Northern Railway and later the Burlington Northern Railroad as a Telecomunication Manager until his retirement. Phil was a member of the Masons and the Shriners. He enjoyed his time at Lake Sarah, MN and playing golf. Phil married Mavis Odegaard on June 30, 1951. She survives along with sons Bruce (Martie) Hanson, Grand Forks and Bradley Hanson, Ft. Worth, TX; grandchildren, Royd (Megan) Hanson, Burnsville, MN and Candace (Carlos) Garcia, San Antonio, TX; great grandchildren, Brendon, Nate, Gabe; sisters, Betty Hjelmen, Grand Forks and Joann Thorfinson, Foreman, ND. He was preceded in death by a son, Brian and by brothers, Owen, Russell and Devoe. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Friday, August 24, 2012 in United Lutheran Church of Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service in Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will continue for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery of Grand Forks, ND.