Margie Hanson

Margie R. Hanson, age 82, of Crosslake and Golden Valley, MN, died Wednesday, August 12 at Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Golden Valley. Margie was born March 29, 1921, in Minneapolis, to Thorwald and Anna (Anderson) Hanson. She grew up in Hamel and graduated from Wayzata High School. She earned a B.S. in Physical Education at the University of Minnesota. Her graduate work included earning an M.S. and a Ph.D. from the University of Washington, Seattle. After completing her education, she lived and worked in the Washington, D.C. area for more than thirty years, where she was Executive Director for the American Alliance for Health and Physical Health, Recreation, and Dance. She was nationally and internationally recognized for her leadership in physical education and dance for children. She was the recipient of many professional honors, including the Gulick Award (AAHPERD?s highest award), the National Dance Association Heritage Award, the Society of State Directors Significant Achievement Award, Who?s Who in American Education, and many others. She was the inspiration for the establishment of the Council on Physical Education for Childrens Margie R. Hanson Distinguished Service Award. She retired in 2000, at the age of 79, and lived in Crosslake and Golden Valley. Margie was a national member of the Presbyterian Church.
Margie is survived by two sisters, Viola Woodson, of Crosslake, and Dorothy Baer, of Wayzata; 6 nieces and nephews, and 11 grand-nieces and nephews. Her parents preceded her in death.

Memorial services will be Thursday at 11:00 AM, August 21, at Crosslake Presbyterian Church, with Reverend Ray Larson officiating. Friends may call at the church for one hour before the service. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Minneapolis on Friday, August 22, at 1 PM, with Reverend John Satterberg officiating. Memorials are preferred to Crosslake Presbyterian Church or a charity of the donor?s choice.