Jeffrey Hanson, 77

Jeffrey Carl Hanson, age 77, passed away on July 22, 2024, at home surrounded by his family after a 3-year battle with cancer.

Jeff was born on July 30, 1946, to Iver and Sylvia Hanson in Fergus Falls, MN. He spent his younger childhood years on the family farm in Ashby, MN, and in Cucamonga, CA. Jeff graduated from Ashby High School in 1965. He then joined the Navy on October 6, 1965. He spent time on the U.S.S. Gridley and the U.S.S. Chara before joining the Riverine Brown Water Navy. His time with the Brown Water Navy was spent as a Boatswain’s Mate on the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on October 26, 1969. Jeff’s time in the service had a great impact on his life.

After Jeff left the service, he returned to the family farm for a short period of time before starting his career with Northwestern Bell in St. Paul in January of 1970.

Jeff married Regina Hargitt in 1971. Together, they had a daughter, Elizabeth, in 1973 and continued to live in the metro area. In 1976, Jeff married Rebecca Jane Chance in St. Paul, MN. In 1997, they moved north to Baudette, MN. Together, Jeff and Becky had three sons, Carl, Nels, and Jay. Jeff and his boys spent many hours throughout their childhood in the woods logging. He always made sure they packed a lunch to eat in the woods. This might be why none of them eat pickle loaf to this day. He usually let the boys go home in time for hockey practice. Jeff found great pleasure in watching his boys play football and hockey throughout their school years. He also enjoyed having Elizabeth in Baudette throughout her high school years. Jeff’s family will always remember his passion for hunting and fishing. He liked nothing better than to do these things with his kids and grandkids. Jeff was always 100% in the moment.

In 1997, Jeff had to make the decision to continue working with US West, and in order to do so, he finished his career in Park Rapids. He spent six years working there until his retirement in 2003. He found great enjoyment at their home on Pickerel Lake and managed to accumulate many “treasures” that kept him busy well into his retirement. After his retirement, Jeff and Becky spent their time between Park Rapids and their home in Baudette. In 2009, Becky took a job in Seward, AK, and they found themselves living there for 2 1/2 years. Jeff and Becky were able to spend extra time with their son and his children in Eagle River, AK, during their time there. Jeff enjoyed his daily trips to the docks in the harbor and meeting the fishermen. He had a knack for finding a coffee crew, no matter if he was in Baudette, Park Rapids, or Alaska.

In 2021, Jeff was diagnosed with cancer, which eventually led to selling their home in Park Rapids. Throughout his last years, he was able to spend his time doing favorite activities, including yearly trips to Medora, ND, family get-togethers at Thresherman’s in Dalton, MN, spring and fall trips to the “shack” near Littlefork, drives out to the hunting land, some trips to the Northwest Angle and most importantly time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Jeff is survived by his wife Becky of 47 years, daughter Elizabeth (Robert) Johnston, sons Carl, Nels (Courtney), and Jay (Emily), along with eight grandchildren: Karalee Parsons, Ryan Johnston, Isabella and Holt Hanson, Iver, Talia, Finn and Signe Hanson. He is also survived by his brothers Jan (Monica), Fred (Rosemary), James (Laurie), Craig (Kathy) and sister Bernice (Dave) Lapash; brother-in-laws Frank Chance, Greg Chance; sister-in-laws Debbie Chance and Lynn Chance as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Iver, mother Sylvia, brother Roger, and brother-in-laws John Chance and David Chance.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, August 3 at 1 p.m. at the home of Nels Hanson, 501 Riverview Dr SE, Warroad, MN.