James “Jim” A. Hanson
Sunday, February 21, 1937
Date of Death:
Friday, September 13, 2024
Age:
87 years old
Sunday, February 21, 1937
Date of Death:
Friday, September 13, 2024
Age:
87 years old
Sunday, February 21, 1937
Date of Death:
Friday, September 13, 2024
Age:
87 years old
James “Jim” A. Hanson
James Arthur Hanson
James (Jim) Arthur Hanson, 87, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024, at Mayo Clinic, St. Marys campus. Born on February 21, 1937, in Lanesboro, MN, to James Arthur Hanson Sr. and Crystella Amy Johnson, Jim grew up with a strong sense of community and family. He graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1955 and went on to marry Mary Lentz on May 7, 1960, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cresco, Iowa.
Jim proudly served his country with two years of active duty in the Army, followed by a distinguished 35-year career in the Army Reserves, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. He retired from Rochester Public Works after 32 years of dedicated service in 1994, and also spent many years driving school buses. Jim’s involvement with The American Legion Post 92, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and the 49er’s reflected his commitment to service and community.
Known for his resourcefulness and “Mr. MacGyver” skills, Jim had a talent for fixing just about anything and enjoyed hobbies such as card games, camping, collecting classic model cars and flashlights, and watching westerns. His garage was his sanctuary where he spent countless hours tinkering and indulging in his collection. A proud and stubborn Norwegian, Jim’s love for Minnesota sports and conservative values were matched only by his quick wit and love of Ole and Lena jokes.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife Mary, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage, and his children Patty (Daryl) Fieck, Thomas (Sharon) Hanson, and John (Patty Jo) Hanson. He will be greatly missed by his seven grandchildren: Michelle (Juan) Diaz, Samantha Berning, Isaac (Catherine Hébert) Hanson, Alex (Ryna Frankel) Hanson, Adam (Sonoma Frank) Hanson, Franklin (Marie) Durgin-Hanson, and Jesse (Kasara Little) Hanson, as well as his six great-grandchildren: Ava Berning, Stephan and Sam, Axyl and Alyias Durgin-Hanson, and Osher Hanson.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerome Hanson, brother-in-law Pat Lentz, nephew Bradley Lentz, and granddaughter Iris Durgin-Hanson.
A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester, with military honors from American Legion Post 92 and Father Nick Mezacapa officiating. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service. Jim’s ashes will be laid to rest at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Legion Post 92 or the Lanesboro Historical Museum. Jim’s legacy of hard work, inventive spirit, and deep family love will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of James “Jim” A. Hanson has received the following condolences.
Dearest Mary and family,
So sorry to read of the passing of Jim. Our deepest sympathy go out to all. Bud remembers Jim a great deal from working for the City of Rochester also for
many years. Lots of good memories there. God granted him a nice long life anyway. Sorry we were unable to attend the funeral as already had other commitments. God's blessings to all.
Friends, Bud and Audrey Folkert
Mary and family, I was sorry to hear of Jims passing. My thoughts are he was one of the best in many ways. We were friends for years. We did have some good times while in the Army reserves. As you can remember Mary, Jim, Don and I had some other good times also. Those are the memories I have and will remember for a life time. I miss those times but smile when I think about them. May God bless you and your family.
So sorry to hear about Jim. I remember him from way back to when we were in the 354th MP Company together, and we both worked for the city at one time. Our paths have crossed numerous times over the years. He will be missed.
Mary, so sorry to hear of your loss! 🙏🏻💕
Dear Mary and family please accept our deepest sympathy as you struggle with the passing of Jim may you all find peace and understanding as you travel this new journey in life.
Dear Dad, our hearts are broken 💔 We are emotionally trying to accept this. You went so fast Friday we were not prepared. Our hearts will heal with time, but we will miss you forever. Thomas and Sharon
Dear Dad, our hearts are broken 💔? We are emotionally trying to accept this. You went so fast on Friday, we were not prepared. Our heart will heal with time, but we will miss you forever!
God has taken such a good man home! Dear Mary & family, please know of our love hugs and prayers for you and Jim's soul.
Mary and family,
Tim and I were very sorry to hear the news of Jim's passing. We send you our deepest condolences.
It was so nice that we could all be together for the dinner in Rochester and get the chance to be reunited. We pray that Jim will rest in peace and that you and your family will enjoy loving memories of Jim.
God bless you all.
Love, Joann (Kolbet) and Tim Throndson