Howard Hanson, 66, of Fergus Falls, formerly of Henning, died Monday, May 1, 2009, at the Otter Tail County Veterans Home in Fergus Falls.
He was born on the family farm in Girard Township, Otter Tail County, near Henning, on July 30, 1942, the son of Julius and Lulu (Kimber) Hanson. He grew up in Girard Township and attended school in Henning. Following his graduation from Henning High School in 1960 he joined the Marine Corps and served eight years, including time in Vietnam. When he was discharged he was employed by the Longview Fibre Company in Minneapolis. He suffered from the effects of exposure to Agent Orange and was admitted to the Minneapolis Veterans Home in 1983. In March 1998, he became the first veteran to be admitted to the Otter Tail County Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. Howard enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching demo derbies.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 6, at the Belmont Funeral Home chapel in Henning. The Rev. Greg Hayek, chaplain at the Veterans Home, officiated. Casket bearers were Steven Hanson, Jeff Hanson, Larry Hanson, Arlon Kimber, Pat Hanson and Allen Hanson. Military honors were provided by members of the Charles D. Center VFW Post 3289 in New York Mills. Interment is in the Girard Union Cemetery, rural Henning.
Survivors include his sons, Duane, of Arvada, Colo., and Ron, of St. Cloud; brothers, Herman (Bernice) Hanson, Henning, and Harry (Audrey) Hanson, Henning; sisters-in-law, Ilene Hanson, Belle Plaine, Minn., and Virginia Hanson, Henning; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; and brothers, Julian and Anthon.
