Harriet Hanson

Harriet O. Hanson, 79, Grand Forks, ND died Thursday, October 27, 2011 in the Villa Maria Nursing Center of Fargo, ND. She had lived admirably through her 21 years of Parkinson's Disease. Harriet was born July 14, 1932 on the family farm in Sletten Township near Fosston, MN. She was the youngest of five children born to Henry and Olga Balstad. She attended grade school in Winger, MN then graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN. Harriet attended College at Bemidji, MN and Mayville State Teacher's College. She taught five years in rural Grand Forks County schools. Harriet married James E. Hanson on August 19, 1956 in Winger, MN. They lived in rural Grand Forks. They were members of Evanger Lutheran Church. Harriet served in a number of roles including women's group, as a Sunday School teacher and the Call Committee. Harriet was a 4-H leader. She also served on both the Grand Forks County and North Dakota State Homemaker's boards. She led Homemaker's trips to Washington DC. Harriet did things with style and flair and many described her as a sweet lady. She loved and was well known for her sewing, craftwork, her beautiful flowers and her sheep collection. Survivors include her son, Michael (LuAnn) Hanson, Bismarck, ND; daughter, Myrna Hanson, Fargo, ND; Step grandchildren, Kayla (Nick) Seifert, Bismarck, ND and Michael Wald, Bismarck, ND; step great granddaughter, Taylor Marie Seifert; sister, Garnet Devine, Nisswa, MN and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James in 2002; her parents; brothers, Kenneth and Harold; sister, Edna Moen and nieces, Vickie Lynne Moen and Ann Hanson. Harriet's family wishes to express special thanks to the staff of Villa Maria Nursing Home for their loving care.