Karen Hanson

Karen Jean Hanson, 76, passed away peacefully at Bethany Good Samaritan in Brainerd, MN on January 02, 2024, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. She was surrounded by her loving family.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at 11:00 am on January 20, 2024, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Baxter, MN with a one-hour visitation before the service. A continuation of celebrating Karen, following the service, will be held at the Brainerd VFW, 309 S 6th Street. Luncheon will be served.

Karen was born January 29, 1947, in Glencoe, MN to Harry and Frieda (Roth) Laabs. Karen graduated from Arlington-Green Isle, MN High School in 1965 and from Central Lakes College in 1989. Karen played tennis at CLC and placed 2nd in doubles at the MN State Tournament. 

Karen married Chuck Hanson on August 2, 1969, in Green Isle, MN. 

Karen with Chuck was an entrepreneur and in her long career they co-owned Benedix Resort, Gull Lake, Papa C’s, Brainerd, MN, The Club New Yorker, Green Isle, MN, The Hollywood Sports Complex and Bowling Center, Watertown, MN, Meyer Dry Cleaner, Brainerd, MN, Like Nu Cleaners, Little Falls, MN. Karen was the property manager at Positive Realty in Brainerd, MN and finally, worked for Brainerd Games. Her hard work never stopped.

Karen was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Baxter, MN, a life member of the VFW Post 1647 Auxiliary, for many years was involved in Community Theater and a longtime coach for the Brainerd Lakers Special Olympics. 

Karen was deeply generous with her time. She never stopped moving. She was the epitome of hospitality.  If you were in her presence you felt listened to and loved. The door was always open, you never left hungry and she always had your back. 

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Frieda, Sister Harriet Panning, Brother-In-Law Bert Panning, Nephew Lance Panning. 

Karen leaves behind her loving husband, Chuck, of 54 years and a lifetime of joyful memories. And their three children, Nicholas and wife Anna, Casey, and the love of her life, Bergen. Her favorite thing in life was her children. She was a dedicated and wonderful mother. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brainerd VFW Post 1647.

The arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN. 

Karen will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew her.