Roger A Hanson

Roger Hanson, 85, from Fosston, MN, passed away Monday, July 12, 2010 at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville, ND. Roger Agnar Eugene Hanson was born February 24, 1925 to parents Ingvald Christian and Laura Marie (Carlson) Hanson in rural Winger, MN. He worked for area farmers after completing the eighth grade at Country School 182 in Sletten Township. He enlisted in the United States Merchant Marine in 1944, serving his country overseas during World War II until he was honorably discharged in 1946. Roger married Joyce Mandt in February 1947. They raised three children and lived around the Fosston area while Roger worked as a milkman and butter churner at the Fosston Creamery. Joyce passed away in September 1954. He met Jerona Agnes while she was working at Bratland's Cafe in Fosston, and they were married January 13, 1956. They had three more children and lived in rural Fosston. He worked as a lab technician for Land O'Lakes in Fosston until retiring in 1986. He stayed busy in his retirement with hobby farming and raising horses until Roger and Jerona started wintering in Texas and Arizona in 1990. Jerona passed away in March 2001. Roger moved to Mayville in 2007 to live at Luther Memorial Home due to Alzheimer's disease. When he wasn't working, Roger enjoyed fishing, woodworking, playing cards, telling jokes and taking coffee breaks with his friends and family. He'll be remembered for his love of playing the guitar and making up words to his favorite songs, a passion that he liked to share with those around him throughout his life. Survivors include his sister, Donna Solberg of Fosston; two daughters, Barb (Don) Strege of Bemidji, MN and Marlene (Brad) Johnson of Grand Forks, ND; four sons, Ron (Rose Uebe) of Fosston, Gary (Terrie) of Fosston, Royal (Sue) of Woodinville, WA and Jim (Pat) of Thompson, ND; two daughters-in-law, Judi Hanson of Warroad, MN and Karlyn Sistad of Fosston; 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his three brothers, Alfred, Oral and Clarence; a sister, Lorraine; his two wives; and several loved ones.