Obituary of Daniel John Hanson

Peace is every step.

The shining red sun is my heart.

Each flower smiles with me.

How green, how fresh all that grows.

How cool the wind blows.

Peace is every step.

It turns the endless path to joy.

Thich Nhat Hanh

Daniel John Hanson, loving father, grandfather, friend, and musician passed away on November 22, 2022, after undergoing open heart surgery to repair an infected heart valve and pacemaker.

Dan was born on June 1, 1949 to Louise and Arnold Hanson in Blooming Prairie Minnesota. Dan’s career of starting two churches; the Blooming Prairie Christian Fellowship and Whitewater Christian Fellowship, was born out of bible study groups held in friend’s and family’s living rooms. These churches were places where friends and community members could be free to read and interpret the bible together in an unconventional way and was open to all no matter what circumstances they came from. Music was a cornerstone of these churches and Dan wrote many songs that are still sung today and remembered by all that heard them.

Dan was married to Lois Harms Durfey from 1970 to 1993 and they had four children Zac, Luke, Laura and Anna.

Dan studied at Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music and graduated from Minnesota Bible College which further developed his love of and interest in the Bible and theology.

Dan retired from New Challenges – Woodhill Group Home in May of 2021, after serving more than 16 years in many roles including direct care counselor and house manager. Dan loved and supported many individuals over those years and made an indescribable impact in thier lives.

The things that Dan enjoyed doing most were writing and playing music, running, reading, and spending time with his family including his 11 grandchildren. Dan ran five marathons despite having cardiomyopathy for much of his adult life. He was a lover of the most peaceful and meaningful parts of Christian, Buddhist, Jewish teachings and in general, a very spiritual being. He often found that spiritual peace along the banks of the Saint Croix River.

Dan was predeceased by his son Zachary Arnold Hanson, his sister Peggy Hammond, his brother Rodney Hanson, his nephew Seth Hammond and his parents Louise and Arnie.

He is survived by his son Luke (Maggie) Hanson, his daughters Laura (Jesse) Brihn and Anna (Craig) Herrmann. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren – Tabitha (Ethan) Beatty; Brody, Riley, and Eliza Hanson; Opal, Evie, and Vivian Brihn; and Jonas, Ruby, Everett, and Theo Herrmann.

Services will be held at a later date and announced via social media. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Wild River Conservancy, a non-profit organization that works diligently to protect the St Croix River, its forestry, and habitat.