Donald Jerome Hanson

Donald Jerome Hanson, age 77, went home to be with Jesus on October 25, 2018.  He was born July 12, 1941 to Henry and Hazel (Mathison) Hanson in Pine City, Minnesota.  He grew up in Rush City and graduated from high school in 1959.  He was united in marriage to Marlys Lindquist in 1961.  Three children were born to this union; Dawn Renee, Douglas and Dianne.  They divorced in 1972.

While he was in school to become a barber, he started working as a meat cutter for Will Reichel, whom he loved and respected greatly.  After finishing barber school, he worked as a barber in North Branch and eventually bought the shop which he owned for several years.  After moving to Colorado Springs in 1969, he worked as a barber at a few places, including working at Peterson’s Field Airforce Base.  After returning to Minnesota, he worked as a meat cutter in a few locations over the years.

He met Diane “Dinny” Spencer in 1975 at Life Ministries, Inc. in Pennsylvia (also referred to as the castle).  They were married on November 6, 1976.

Don was also an ordained pastor and served at Lake Francis Sunday School and Chapel, and at Resurrection Fellowship in Duluth, Minnesota.  He worked as a meat cutter in Duluth throughout the years, retiring from meat cutting in February 2007.  He then opened a barber shop in Duluth in 2008 where he enjoyed sharing his love of Jesus with many.

Throughout his Life Don enjoyed music.  He was in barber shop and gospel quartets and also played in a drum and bugle corp.   He loved sports, having played basketball in high school.  He loved nature and walking, Tischer Creek in Duluth being a favorite place to take us to walk in the creek.  In his youth, he enjoyed dancing and roller skating.  He and Dinny enjoyed traveling and Don was blessed to be able to go to all 50 United States.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  But of all the things he loved the most; it was learning about and loving God.  He loved God and hoped all could have the joy he experienced having Jesus in his heart.

Don is survived by his loving wife of almost 42 years Dinny; children: Dawn Renee Houliston of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, Douglas Hanson (fiancé Julie Hughes) of Harris, Dianne (Christopher) Oliver of Cambridge; grandchildren: Laura Houliston, Victoria Houliston, Jessica Houliston, John Houliston, Dustin Hanson, Derrick Hanson, Nick Hughes, Jake Hughes, Mandy Hughes, Anthony (Anahi) Oliver, Jacqulyn (Adam) Henke; great grandchild Erik Henke; sisters-in-law:  Vada Hanson, Myrna Hanson, Lorraine Carlson, Lois Matre, Debi (Ron) Sroka; brother-in-law Jim (Connie) Spencer; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends.  We are praising God that we will see him again, although he will be greatly missed.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Hazel Hanson, all of his siblings: Marion, Eldora, Kermit, Virgil, Glenn, Henry “Therman” and his in-laws Jeff and Betty Spencer.

Pastor Steve Newton will officiate at funeral services for Don:  11 AM; Saturday, November 3, 2018 at North Isanti Baptist Church.  A time of visitation and reviewal is planned for one hour prior to the service at the church.  After his funeral celebration and luncheon; Don will be interred in the Free Mission Cemetery, northwest of Rush City at 2:30 PM.   

Funeral arrangements for Don Hanson of Cambridge, formerly of Rush City and Duluth are entrusted to:  Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel  www.FuneralAndCremationService.com