Harvey R. Hanson, 82, passed away at home on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 from cancer.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, April 27, 2009 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Gary Johnson officiating. Burial will be held at 12:30 PM Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM Monday at the church.

Harvey Richard Hanson was born on Feb. 3, 1927 in Rosewood, Minnesota, the ninth child of John and Emma (Grytdal) Hanson. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1945. After serving in the Philippines, China, Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Formosa and several locations, Harvey was discharged with many awards in 1946. He married Venise J. Gunderson on Sept 28, 1947. Harvey enlisted in the Army National Guard and was deployed to Camp Rucker, Alabama in 1951. He then returned to Thief River Falls as a Master Sergeant. He worked for the Soo Line Railroad until receiving a leave of absence to serve as a full time National Guard Administrator in 1962. Harvey returned to the Soo Line in 1972 as an engineer and retired in 1987.

Upon retirement Venise and Harvey traveled extensively throughout the US. Harvey was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and itschoir, served as the commander of the American Legion Post 117 in 1968, and a honorary member of the Golden Pioneers.

Harvey enjoyed working with his hands. He was a jack-of-all trades.

Harvey is survived by his wife Venise of 61 years and five children: Renae (Terry ) Gulbrandson, Coon Rapids, MN; Cynthia (Henry) Hoefer, Elk River, MN; Rick (Nancy) Hanson, Champlin, MN; Cheryl McKenzie, Fort Collins, CO Curt Hanson (Kari) Colorado Springs, CO: 17 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and a brother John (Joyce). Also surviving are sisters-in-law Opal Hanson and Myrt Hanson and step brother Ray Johnson. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father Carl Stromberg; three brothers Arnold, Ray, and Harold .and five sisters Alice Brubakken, Esther Brubakken, Margaret Hipsher, Doris Larson, Lucille Bergman, also four step- siblings, Myrtle Johnson, Clarence, Clifford, and Elvester Stromberg,

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Ida Nordvall
SOLOIST: Chris Hoefer, The Lords Prayer
SOLOIST: MaryCon Jelinek, Because He Lives
SOLOIST: Diane Johnson at Prayer Service, Softly and Tenderly and On Eagles Wings
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Amazing Grace and Onward Christian Soldiers
CASKETBEARERS: Matthew Hoefer, Christopher Hoefer, Benjamin Hoefer, Robert Hoefer, Eric Gulbrandson, Nathan Scherf, Mitchell McKenzie, Jacob McKenzie, Joshua Hanson, Josiah Hanson
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Michelle Murphy, Kari Gulbrandson, Kelly Gulbrandson, Melissa Kolyer, Jaclyn Hanson, Annika Hanson, Katiana Hanson
MILITARY HONORS: American Legion Ecklund-Holmstrom Post #2793 & Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post #2793