Mark Alan Hanson

Mark Alan Hanson, 58, of rural Dalton, died Tuesday, November 27, 2012, as the result of an automobile accident.

He was born October 3, 1954, in Fergus Falls, the son of Arlo and LeVonne (Swenson) Hanson. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Dalton. He grew up in Dalton and attended elementary school in Dalton School District 1380. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1972.

He worked in the construction business for Ernest Jensen of Wendell, Dieseth Specialty of Fergus Falls and later H & R Const. with his father. In January of 1991, he purchased his father’s share of H & R Const. In 2001, his partner, Wayne Ronning, sold his shares to his son, Bob and the two of them have run the company since. Through the years, H & R Const. has grown to be a very successful company, which was achieved by his leadership and the loyal following of his employees.

On November 23, 1974, he married his high school sweetheart Carol Richter at Zion Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. They made their home in rural Dalton. Mark was a member of the Dalton Fire Department, retiring after many years of service. He was the sexton of Our Saviors Cemetery, chair of Our Saviors Ten Mile Lake Endowment Fund, a member of the Dalton Sportsmans Club, Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited.

He loved his children, Stephanie, Michael and Jay and especially his two grandchildren, Braden and Ava. He had a special way with his nieces and nephews and other children. He enjoyed “putt putt” rides (a UTV) with the kids, and gave the children their own special nick name. All his family and friends were very important to him. Mark looked forward to vacationing in Siesta Key, Florida and filling up on sea food. He enjoyed hunting ducks, pheasants, deer and ice fishing. He was an avid outdoorsman.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Alvin and Martha Hanson and George and Lillie Swenson and his father-in-law, Selvin O. Richter.

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Carol of Dalton; a daughter, Stephanie (Jay) Lunde of Lakeville; a son, Michael Hanson of Dalton; two grandchildren, Braden and Ava Lunde; his parents, Arlo and LeVonne Hanson of Dalton; a brother, Lon (Sue) Hanson of Otter Tail; sisters, Susan (John) Olson of Battle Lake, Myrna (Jim) VanWatermulen of Battle Lake and Elizabeth (Chad) Nelson of Fergus Falls; his mother-in-law, Margaret Richter of Fergus Falls, numerous nieces, nephews and friends and his beloved dog, Sadie, who remained with him up to the end.

Visitation: 5-7 pm Friday with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at the funeral home
Service: 11 am Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Our Saviors Ten Mile Lake Lutheran Church, Dalton
Clergy: Reverend Tom Junkert
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com