James "Jim" Hanson

Memorial services for James Willard Hanson will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea.  The Reverend Kent Otterman will officiate.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, and interment will follow the service at Hillcrest Cemetery.

James W. Hanson, of Albert Lea, went to be with his heavenly Father on Friday, June 22, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society from complications of MS and Parkinson’s disease. He passed away peacefully in his wife’s arms and was surrounded by his loving family.

James “Jim” Hanson was born on September 20, 1938 in Wells, MN, the fourth child of eleven to Orville and Nellie (Haas) Hanson.  Jim graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1956.  In 1961, Jim married Mary Koester, and to this union one son was born: Douglas.  The couple later divorced.

In 1966, Jim married Judith “Judy” Hahn and was blessed with four more children: Kevin, Daniel, Julie and Richard.

Jim owned and operated his barber shop in Good Thunder, MN.  He also volunteered with the local fire department.  In 1973, Jim worked for the State of Minnesota Department of Corrections in Stillwater for 25 years, retiring as a lieutenant.  In 1996, he moved back to his hometown of Albert Lea to be closer to family.  Jim was a hard worker, picking up many odd jobs after retirement.  He had a great love of the outdoors, but most of all, he cherished his special bond with his grandchildren.  A favorite memory was spending time with them at the family cabin on Tom Lake, teaching the grandkids how to fish, and the ins and outs of the woods.  He also enjoyed grouse hunting season, and always looked forward to going up north hunting with his best friend, David Wimes.

Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy Hanson; son, Daniel Severson and his children, Jenny, Julia, and Laurie; daughter in-law, Pam Severson and her children, Jacob (Lacy), Laura (Rob), Rachael, and Isaac (Kristina); daughter, Julie Hanson-Haukoos and her twin children, William and Trinity; son, Douglas (Amy) Hanson and their child, Margaret; son, Richard Hanson and his children, Ryan, Bradlie, James, Libby, Cory (Paige) and Aubrey; brothers, Dan (Judy) Hanson and Paul (Mary)Hanson; sisters, Mary (David) Adamson, Sharon (Janis) Hanson, Nancy Poore, Sandra Zwick, Sonia Woolson, and Pamela (Paul) Jerdee; sisters and brother in-law, Ann Hanson, Arvis Hahn, Gwen Borst, and Don Adams; 15 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other loving relatives.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Orville (Nellie) Hanson, father and mother in-law, Lyle (Mildred) Hahn; a son, Kevin; and granddaughter, Paula; siblings, Jeryl “Jerry” Hanson and LaVonne Adams; brothers in-law, Leland Zwick, Floyd Woolson, Duane Hahn and Tim Borst.

“Rest in peace my love.  Blessed be your memory… and yes, dear, there are caramel rolls and chocolate malts in heaven!”