Wayne Douglas Hanson, 76, of Grygla, Minnesota, passed away on October 21, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, with his loving family by his side.

Wayne was born on August 15, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Leonard and Edna (Hanson) Moe. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended school in Goodridge, graduating from Goodridge High School. Following graduation, Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged.

After returning home, Wayne worked for a short time at Marvin Windows in Warroad before finding his true passion in carpentry. Over the years, he became a highly skilled craftsman, helping build homes throughout the region. Eventually, he specialized as a finish carpenter, creating beautiful custom cabinetry and woodwork. His attention to detail and pride in a job well done earned him a reputation as someone who could build or fix just about anything.

Wayne was first married to Valorie Saul, and the couple shared approximately ten years together. Later, while living in Reno, Nevada, Wayne met the love of his life, Rosemary (Dalton) Demas. They were united in marriage on December 10, 1994, in Reno. The couple made their home there until 2004, when they returned to Grygla, where they enjoyed the remainder of their years together.

Wayne was truly a jack-of-all-trades and was well known throughout the Grygla community as someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Whether it was building a deck, installing windows, crafting cabinets, or tackling any carpentry project, friends and neighbors knew they could count on Wayne. He found great satisfaction in helping others and took pride in using his talents to improve the lives of those around him.

He enjoyed the simple things in life. Wayne liked mowing the yard, playing horseshoes, and taking drives through the countryside with his faithful dog, Murphy. Some of his favorite times were spent at his brother's cabin near Strandquist, preparing for hunting season. He could often be found cutting and stacking firewood, getting the generators running, and ensuring everything was ready for family and friends to gather and enjoy the outdoors.

Wayne was a dedicated member of his community and a proud advocate for fellow veterans. He served as Commander of Grygla American Legion Post 169 and VFW Post 2793 of Grygla and Thief River Falls. He was also a member of Grace Lutheran Church and the Grygla Senior Citizens.

Wayne will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Rose of Grygla, MN; stepchildren, Kevin (Cathy) Willey, Gary (Sandy) Willey, Tammy (Mark) Curtis, and Cheryl (Dave) Stinson; grandchildren, Taryn, Kali, Jimmy, Brittney (Nick), Kaitlynn, Alexis, Kody (Jackie), Amber, Jonathan, and Hunter; numerous great-grandchildren; siblings, Donna (Dave) Giordano, Denise Moe, Carmen Moe, Jason (Jaclyn) Moe, and Jared (Kristie) Moe; brother-in-law, Lane Loeslie; and many other relatives, friends, neighbors, and fellow veterans.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Edna, and his sister, Diane Loeslie.

Wayne's life was marked by service, hard work, generosity, and kindness. He leaves behind a legacy built not only with his hands, but with his heart. The homes he helped build, the projects he completed, the veterans he served alongside, and the countless people he helped throughout his life will forever stand as a testament to a man who truly cared for others. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A gathering time for family and friends will be held from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla, MN.