Orlis D. Hanson, 83, of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN, with Rev. Frank Ehling officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Orlis D. Hanson was born on July 16, 1932 to Edwin and Alice (Lien) Hanson in Bagley, MN. He grew up and attended school in Bagley graduating in 1950. Orlis served his country in the US Army from 1952 to 1954. He was stationed in Fort Knox, KY. Orlis worked as a heavy equipment operator in Minnesota and then moved to Wisconsin for 6 ½ years. He returned back to Minnesota and had a small farm. He married Beverlee and to this union a son Jeffrey was born. Orlis lived in Fairbanks, AK for four years. He was united in marriage to Merlyn Westlake on July 14, 1984 in Fairbanks, AK. Then in 1986 they moved to Petaluma, CA for 12 years. Orlis continued working construction. In August of 1998 they moved to Thief River Falls, where they have lived since. Orlis enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also liked to sit down with a good book. He was a member of the American Legion in Thief River Falls and the Operator Engineers Union. He is survived by his wife Merlyn, Thief River Falls, MN, 3 step children: Allen (Elizabeth) Westlake, Crookston, MN, Mary (Dave) Torgerson, Fertile, MN, Connie (Mitch) Hemmesch, Thief River Falls, MN, grandson: Adam (Kelly) Hanson, Woodbury, MN, great-granddaughter: Grace Hanson; 3 step grandchildren: Jessica (Michael) Andersen, Strandquist, MN, Isaac Westlake, Crookston, MN, and Quinn Westlake, Crookston, MN, 2 step great grandchildren: Mariah & Mikale Kenfield, Strandquist, MN, brother: Verlyn Hanson, Duluth, MN. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Orlis was preceded in death by his son Jeffrey, step son George Westlake, JR, his parents, and a brother Curtis.