Helen J. Hanson

Helen J. Hanson, 90, of Hawley, MN died Friday, September 14, 2012 in Viking Manor Nursing Home, Ulen, MN. Helen was born on March 7, 1922 to William and Clara Buhaug Tatley. She was raised on a farm West and North of Hitterdal, MN. Helen graduated from Hitterdal High School in May of 1940. Helen married Elden Hanson on February 14, 1942. They lived on a farm near Twin Valley, MN and then moved to a farm three miles West of Hitterdal. In 1957 they moved to a farm East of Hawley. They farmed and had milk cows. Helen helped with the milking and farm chores. Elden worked for American Crystal Sugar for 27 years and retired in 1992. In 1994 they moved to Hawley to Riverview Court. Helen and Elden spent 26 winters in Phoenix, AZ where two of their daughters, Janet and Rita and their families, are long time residents. While in Arizona Helen and Elden enjoyed going to the horse races and playing Bingo with friends. Helen and Elden had nine children, five girls and four boys. Helen was kept busy with cooking and baking for the large family. Baking bread and buns for the large family was an every other day job and was enjoyed by all. Helen was known for her great apple pie and homemade doughnuts. She likes Ole and Lena jokes and enjoys a good laugh. Helen also enjoys her family and is very proud of all of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by two sons, Arlan Aziza Hanson, Osceola, WI and David Randee Hanson, Bismarck, ND; five daughters, Donna Arden Feser, Fargo, ND; Yvonne Keith Olson, Twin Valley, MN; Marla Jim Wegleitner, Sartell, MN; Janet Dave Dickerson, Peoria, AZ and Rita Gary Green, Glendale, AZ; one sister, Naomi Allen Dahl, Borup, MN; two sister-in-laws, Inez Asleson, Ulen, MN and Lila Roger Hoyme, Comstock, MN; 21 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.Helen was preceded in death by her husband; two sons, Myron and Barry; sister, Eleanor Sather; and brother, Carroll Tatley.