Ethel Hanson

Ethel “Irene” Hanson, 88, formerly of Rothsay, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, April 6, 2009, at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls.  She was born on September 22, 1920, the daughter of Edward J. and Olga (Carlsrud) Thomas.  She grew up on the family farm in Akron Township of Wilkin County near Rothsay. She attended country school through the 8th grade and was active in 4H. She worked for numerous neighbors and friends. She met and later married Ernest Hanson on October 17, 1938, and they farmed in the Rothsay area. They had three children, Richard, Mary Anne and Betty Lou. Ethel was a farmer’s wife, homemaker, worked in the potato fields, and was an avid gardener. She loved to make quilts and was active in Circle and Ladies Aid at Hamar Church. In 1979 they moved to Fergus Falls due to Ernest’s health. Ernest passed away in January of 1982. Ethel had continued to live there and continued her usual activities until her health failed. She was a resident of Mill Street Assisted Living and then lived at the Broen Home the last year. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Ernest in 1982; her brother, Richard in 1968; her son, Richard, in 2002; a great-granddaughter, Kayla Quisberg in 1993; and her grandson, Vince Erickson in 2008. Survivors include her brother, Glen (Arla) Thomas, Vining, MN; two daughters, Mary Anne (Curtis) Quisberg, Morris, MN, and Betty Lou Erickson, Champlin, MN; nine grandchildren: Sherri (Tim) Nooyen, Scott (Bonnie) Hanson, Stacy (Dan) Thom, Michelle (Mark) Raths, James (Deb) Quisberg, Merilee (Duane) Thiele, Joilie (James) Ebbers, Daniel (Sandra) Erickson, and Annette (Tim) Reil; and 14 great-grandchildren: Molly Nooyen, Callie & Brayden Hanson, Austin & Ryan Thom, Jaclyn, Jacob & Brandon Raths, Samantha, Rebecca, Bradley & Marissa Ebbers, Tina Lusian and Rachel Erickson. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Margaret Thomas, Fargo, ND, and Delila VanHorn, St. Paul, MN; a daughter-in-law, Jeanne Olson, Fergus Falls, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and many friends. Visitation:   4-7 p.m. Thursday at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Service:   2 p.m. Friday at New Life Lutheran Church, Hamar Church in Rothsay Clergy:  Reverend Paul Huso Interment:Hamar Cemetery in Rothsay    Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com