Obituary of Kenneth L Hanson

Kenneth L. Hanson passed away peacefully surrounded by his many loved ones on July 4, 2020 after an extended and brave battle with a brain tumor.

Ken was born in Amery, Wisconsin on January 8, 1944 to Hilding and Margaret Hanson.  He grew up in Amery and graduated from Amery High School in 1962.  He lived in Amery for many years and then moved to Oakdale, MN in 1991 and then to Lake Elmo, MN in 2002 and lived here until his passing.

Ken grew up helping his parents in their grocery store in Amery and learned to be a meat cutter from his dad.  He worked as a meat cutter in his parents’ IGA Food Store in Amery, for the Alpha Beta grocery stores in California and for Knowlan’s Super Markets in Minnesota, where he met the love of his life, Anne.  He also worked for a time at New York Life selling Insurance.  Together, he and Anne built successful businesses owning a True Value hardware store in River Falls, WI and owning rental properties around St. Paul, MN.  He enjoyed being a business owner in many capacities.

Ken was very talented working with his hands fixing, building and creating just about anything he put his mind to.  There are countless keepsakes he designed and made for the family that will be cherished by many.

Ken was loved by all who knew him and he drew people in with his warm and loving personality.  He loved to have fun with everyone.  He loved music and dancing.  He loved camping, whether in his many RVs or roughing it in the Boundary Waters.  He had a big and infectious smile and was always the life of the party.  He enjoyed collecting model cars, trucks and tractors and unique currency, but he might best be remembered for his “raisin guy” figurines which he displayed on his dashboard for many years, much to the delight of his grandchildren.

Of all his accomplishments, Ken was most proud of his family.  He is survived by his loving wife of almost 29 years, Anne, his children Tracey (Keith), Tim (Kerri), Tari, Tami (Ben), Troy (Shelia), stepson Mike (Alecia), stepdaughter Jennifer and two daughters-in-law Marie and Kate.  He is also survived by his brother Harvey and sister Marjorie (Gary), brothers-in-law Phil, Kirk, Scott (Jean) as well as 19 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Hilding and Margaret, his twin daughters Jennifer and Jill and his stepson Matt.

A celebration of life is being held at Cremation Society of Minnesota on July 12, 2020.  The family is requesting memorials in lieu of flowers.  A link to view the service remotely will be provided via email.