Elna J. Hanson, 79, died Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at Northwest Medical Center, Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 21, 2006 at the Evangelical Free Church, Thief River Falls, with Reverend Jim Howard officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Strathcona, MN.

Visitation will be 4:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M. on Friday, January 20, 2006 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a 7:00 P.M. prayer service on Friday evening and visitation will be at the church for one hour prior to services on Saturday.

Elna J. Anderson was born November 3, 1926 in Greenbush, MN, the daughter of Martin D. and Mabel (Wold) Anderson. She was baptized on February 2, 1927 at Bethania Lutheran Church and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She attended Haug Leo Elementary School, Badger High School and Roseau Teachers Training. Elna taught school from 1945-1948 at Pine Creek, Lancaster, and Strathcona. Elna was also a training specialist for developmentally disabled adults in Thief River Falls.

Elna was united in marriage on June 12, 1946 to Evan Kenneth Hanson. She enjoyed crocheting, quilt making, lefse making, and reading. She loved to visit with friends and spend time with her family.

She has been a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Thief River Falls.

Elna is survived by seven children: Elvana M. Erickson of Lynnwood, WA, Kent J. Hanson of Moorhead, MN, Lorna J. Hanson of Spartanburg, SC, Kevan L. (Sharon) Hanson of Andover, MN, Kimberly A. (Jimmy) Farned of Houston, TX, Layden M. (Kristy) Hanson of Thief River Falls, MN and Lynelle Hanson of Duluth, MN; six grandchildren: Joshua J. (Megan) Hanson of San Diego, CA, Adam K. Hanson of San Diego, CA, Jenae K. Hanson of Andover, MN, Jessica L. Hanson of Andover, MN, Kari L. Hanson of Thief River Falls, MN and Logan M. Hanson of Thief River Falls, MN; one brother, Alden Anderson of Badger, MN; three sisters: Dorothy Hoosier of Badger, MN, Irene (Newell) Ode of Badger, MN and Gretchen Kjellberg of Rogers, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Evan; son; granddaughter; parents; and two sisters.

Family condolences may be sent by visiting: www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
ORGANIST: Carolyn Trontvet
SOLOIST: Jim Gjovik
SELECTIONS: Were Nearing the Shore
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Amazing Grace # and Ill Fly Away #
CASKETBEARERS: Jule Hanson, Barret Hoosier, Gary Ode, Rory Ode, Jeffrey Smith, Keith Smith, Lance Anderson and Roger Kjellberg