Renae Marie Hanson

Renae Marie (Amundson) Hanson, 66, entered eternal life after a long, courageous 20-year battle with cancer on June 30, 2018.

She was born on June 25, 1952 to Elroy and Blanche (Beck) Amundson in Mayville, ND. Her family, including her four older brothers (Ron, Lyle, Gary, and Merle), lived in Galesburg, ND and Fargo, ND before settling down on a farm north of Hawley, MN. She attended Hawley Schools until she graduated in 1970.

She married Glen Victor Hanson on June 5, 1971. She took some business classes and worked at Silverline from 1971-1973 before having and raising her three children: Andrea, Wade, and Vicki. Renae and Glen owned Hanson Jewelry until 1995. She also worked as a Direct Support Professional at CCRI in Hawley, MN for 24 years, caring for individuals with developmental disabilities. She truly loved her job, but had to retire in 2016, as her health began to deteriorate.

She was a member of Hawley Women of Today for many years and volunteered as an EMT for H.E.R.T. She was also actively involved at Hawley Lutheran Church, using her time and talents. She had been a Sunday School Teacher, VBS Teacher, delivered the Children’s sermon, a member of the mission committee, and attended bible study regularly.

Her hobbies included cross-stitching, crocheting, and singing. She, along with five friends, formed a singing group, “Joyful Noise.” She loved spending time with her family and friends, going to the lake, going out for coffee, and playing games. Her pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. Any time that was spent with them was precious and valuable to her.

She greatly appreciated all the staff at the Roger Maris Cancer Center. She never took their care and support for granted. She couldn’t express all the gratitude she had for everyone there.

She is survived by her husband, Glen, Hawley, MN;  her children,  Andrea (Matt) Jorstad, Grand Forks, ND, Wade (Amanda) Hanson, Reile’s Acres, ND, and Vicki (Michael) Peterson, Red Lake Falls, MN; 2 granddaughters, Megan and Emily; 3 step-granddaughters, Jennifer, Alexis, and Emily; 3 step-great grandsons, Harvey, Felix, and Wiley; 1 step-great granddaughter, Layla; 3 brothers, Ron (Joan) Amundson, Clifford, ND, Lyle (Ruth Ann) Amundson, Sherwood, OR, Gary (Karen) Amundson, New Port Richey, FL; 1 sister-in-law, Cherise Amundson, New Port Richey, FL, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elroy and Blanche Amundson and her brother, Merle Amundson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Hawley Lutheran Church. Visitation, prior to the service, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Hawley Cemetery following the service. A reception also will be at Hawley Lutheran Church following the service.