Duane Hanson

Duane R. Hanson, 79, of Brainerd, died Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Essentia Health - St. Joseph's Medical Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM, Monday, April 15 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Brainerd with Father Brandon Moravitz officiating. Family and friends are welcome to gather Sunday afternoon from 2-4 PM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter and one hour prior to Mass on Monday at the church. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.

Duane was born February 17, 1934, in Crosby, MN, the son of Carl and Margaret (Monson) Hanson. Following high school, Duane continued his education. He enlisted to serve his country and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was proud of his service in the US Navy. In 1958, he married Suzanne Hollenkamp. The couple made their home in Brainerd and Duane worked for 38 years at Potlatch. He enjoyed photography, camping, deer hunting, and traveling. He was also an avid reader and was the family historian. Duane valued his family and time he was able to spend with them and his four-legged companion, Maggie.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; children, Barbara (David) Bilotta, of Wyoming, Gregory (Alvina) Hanson, of East Helena, MT, John (Lynette) Hanson, of Fort Ripley, Christopher (Carla) Hanson, of Maple Grove, Timothy Hanson, of Fargo, ND, and Joseph (Sam) Hanson, of Moorhead; siblings, Mary Jean (Denny) Fairchild, of Aitkin, Robert (Julie) Midthun, of Blaine, Peter (Carol) Midthun, of Shoreview, Sally (Jim) Stroh, of Minneapolis, and Joan (Jerry) Murphy, of Apple Valley; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Brenda Sue; sister, Maridee; brother, Charles; stepfather, Walter Midthun, and granddaughter, Tanya Marie.