Obituary of Charles R. Hanson

Charles R. Hanson, known to all as “Chuck,” passed away peacefully with his family beside him on August 23, 2018, at the age of 93. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he attended Blake High School. After Graduation, Chuck served in the 44th division of the U.S. Army in Europe from 1943 through 1945. After the war, he attended MIT, where he was on the rowing team and a member of Theta Delta Chi fraternity. Chuck married his childhood sweetheart, Jean Bonell, in 1949. He farmed in Red Wing, Minnesota and Yuma, Arizona from 1952 to 1968. In 1956, he raised and showed a national champion Herford bull. The family moved to Arizona in 1962, where he owned and operated Imperial Date Gardens. After farming, Chuck became an insurance agent, serving the Yuma community for the rest of his career. He was a valued member of the Yuma Chamber of Commerce, Caballeros de Yuma and Kiwanis organizations. When the time came to retire, he and Jean moved back to Edina, Minnesota. Once there, he volunteered his time to the schools as a guest speaker on such topics as rocks and minerals, basic machines, World War II and American Indian history. Chuck also participated in the elementary school’s grandparent mentoring program. He is survived by his wife, Jean B. Hanson; daughter, Maureen (William) Janicki; son, Jack (Diana) Hanson; granddaughters, Sarah Janicki, Jill (Kyle) Howard and Audrey (Joe) Keefe and two great-grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Hanson; sister, Donna Andrada and grandson, Justin Janicki. A private family memorial service will be held.