Earl Hanson

Earl C. Hanson, 97, of Grantsburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Burnett Medical Continuing Care Center. Born on June 16, 1927, in Grantsburg to Carl and Clara (Biederman) Hanson, Earl spent his early years on the family farm in Wood River Township near Alpha and Big Wood Lake.

Earl’s life was marked by resilience and faith. After losing his father at age 10, he and his family worked together to sustain their farm, fostering a close-knit bond. Earl completed the 8th grade at Wood River School and began working full-time on the farm before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1945. He served honorably during World War II, returning home to continue farming and begin a new chapter in his life.

On June 2, 1951, Earl married Norma R. Quamme at Trinity Lutheran Church in Falun. Together, they raised eight children: Judy, Donna, John, James, Sharon, Ronald, Renee, and Jennifer.

Earl was deeply devoted to his faith and community. An ordained minister, he dedicated years to serving as a Sunday school teacher, elder, and pastor, including six years at Wood River Tabernacle. Despite his full-time roles as a machinist, mechanic, and school bus driver, Earl’s true passion was living a life of service to the Lord and his family.

Known for his unwavering work ethic and loving nature, Earl’s legacy of kindness, faith, and dedication will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Norma; grandson, Troy Hanson; and siblings Clarence Johnson, Vernon Johnson, Marion Johnson, Evelyn Jorgenson, Carol Peterson, Noble Hanson, and Dorothy Jones.

Earl is survived by his eight children: Judy (George) Goblish, Donna Kozumplik, John Hanson, James (Galina) Hanson, Sharon (Brett) Ilgen, Ronald (Brenda) Hanson, Renee (Jim) Hanson, and Jennifer (David) Barington; 21 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM, with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, at Wood River Christian Fellowship near Grantsburg. Pastor Bert LeBrun will officiate. Interment will follow at Wood River Cemetery in Grantsburg, with a luncheon afterward. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 185 and US Army at 2:30.

Pallbearers will be Corey Smestad, Aaron Hanson, John Hanson, Caleb Hanson, Travis Hanson, and Seth Ilgen.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Grantsburg. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.