Gerald Hanson

Gerald Hanson, age 73 of Grafton, North Dakota, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025 at his home in Grafton.

Gerald Hanson was born May 24, 1951 in Crookston, Minnesota, the son of the late Harold and Lilly Hanson.  He was raised in a family of musicians. Music and laughter was a constant at family gatherings as there was never a shortage of stories and jokes to be told.

Laughter left the family for a while when Harold unexpectedly died. During that time Gerald lived in the "Cities" with his oldest brother Pete and Pete's wife Louise. He graduated high school in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He returned to Crookston, where he worked as a hairstylist. That's how he met his wife Gloria. He called her to see if she was satisfied with her haircut. Gerald never knew if she was or not, but he did get a date. Later he stole her heart one rainy day when he whisked her up in his arms and carried her across a mud puddle. They were united in marriage on "Groundhog's Day", 1980 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Neither one could ever remember if the groundhog saw his shadow or not that year.

Gerald left his beloved Minnesota to make Grafton his new home. He loved the Minnesota outdoors and would return yearly to observe the "ruffed grouse" during mating season, and the new spring vegetation. His special gift was in his ability to relate to children. He would quickly calm a child with his Donald Duck impression. Occasionally this lead to a tiny five finger search through that mustache. It always lead to a relieved mother. People felt comfortable around Gerald and conversations were quickly started. Fifteen minutes in a waiting room and he knew half the people there, and a quarter of their life story.

Gerald had a passion for driving. Unfortunately he felt all vehicles were all terrain! This lead to a mishap or two, or three... Eventually he satisfied his passion, by driving Motor Coach buses to the cities that purchased them. He was able to enjoy seeing the USA and Canada while driving. He would recount what new portion of the country he had seen that day during his nightly phone calls home. Recently due to failing health Gerald lived a more solitary life.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Gloria; his siblings:  Kathy (Paul) Waldal, Barb Weiss, Connie Hanson, and Don "Ducky" Hanson. Sister-in-laws Louise Hanson, and Debbie Hanson. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Delphus "Pete" Hanson and Lynn Hanson. Sister-in-law Cathy Hanson. Nephews Andy Waldal and Matthew Hanson. Niece Sarah Hanson.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.