Rev. Wilfred L Hanson

Rev. Wilfred L. Hanson, 87, Bismarck, died August 6, 2012, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck. Services will be held 11:00 am Monday, August 13, at First Lutheran Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Marv Mutzenberger and Rev. Robert Lynne officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 pm Monday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm Sunday, August 12, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 7:00 pm. Wilfred Lester Hanson was born October 4, 1924, at home near Argyle, WI, to Alvin E. and Helen Loken Hanson. One of twins, they were baptized on October 17, 1924, and confirmed April 10, 1938, in West Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Edmund WI. While he was growing up his family moved several times as tenant farmers. The farms were rural Volga, SD, and Darlington, Mineral Point, Linden and Edmund, WI. Wilfred graduated from Cobb WI High School in 1943. He was employed in farm work until enrolling at Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD, in 1946, graduating in 1950. He then attended Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, MN, and was ordained into the Holy Ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, February 28, 1954. His military service was with the US Navy Reserves 1947-52. Wilfred met Mary Jean Benson while singing in the Augustana Radio Choir. They were married on August 24, 1952, at East Lake Andes Lutheran Church, rural Wagner, SD. Together they served the following Lutheran parishes in North Dakota: 1953-57, McClusky Grace, Mercer Our Saviors, Denhoff Zion and West Scandia; 1957-61, Velva rural Hjerdal, Voltaire, North Prairie, Stenkjaer Simco; 1961-66, Ross Bethlehem, Manitou, White Earth First; 1966-68, Crary First, Doyon Bethlehem; 1968-90, Esmond Trinity, Immanuel, St. Olaf. He also served part time chaplaincy at Bethel Home, Stanley and Lake Region Home, Devils Lake. Another part-time job was driving school bus for many years. In 1990 he retired to rural Bismarck serving as interim pastor in Wishek, Woodworth, Underwood, Turtle Lake and Harvey and remained active as fill-in pulpit supply. Wilfred enjoyed using his carpentry skills during his retirement years, building their home, restoration at Buckstop Junction, and on the 3 Mission Builders projects he and Mary Jean participated in. They actively participated in Sons of Norway and a tree at the park was dedicated to them this past May. Other memberships included Lions Club and Sr. Optimists. Wilfred always enjoyed helping local farmers when they needed an extra hand. A passion of his was growing corn and potatoes, most of which he gave away. This year's crop is still giving to neighbors and friends. Well done, thy good and faithful servant. Wilfred is survived by his wife, Mary Jean, Bismarck; his children, Dean Alfred Renee, Meridian, ID, Naomi Jean David Payer, Des Moines, IA, Sandra Joy Jay Cofell, Bismarck, Paul Allen Pam, Bismarck; his grandchildren, Eric Shekae Hanson, Adam Hanson, Jayson and Ryan Cofell, Aaron and Jesse Hanson, Joyce and Grace Payer; his brothers, his twin, William, Bismarck, Harold Roberta, Sioux Falls, SD, Everette, Madison, WI, Lawrence, Kenosha, WI; his brothers-in-law, Roland Arlton, Lennox, SD, Larry Crawford, Canton, OH He was preceded in death by his daughter, Joyce Louise; his parents; and his sisters, Joanne Crawford and Marie Arlton.

Rev. Wilfred L Hanson

October 4, 1924 - August 6, 2012