Gary Bertin Hanson, 80, died peacefully Saturday, June 24, 2023, at his home in Surprise, Arizona surrounded by his family.
Gary was born July 15, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, the son of Norwin (“Nubby”) and Ida (Haugen) Hanson. After graduating from Mayville High School, Mayville, ND, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Education from Mayville State University, Mayville, ND. He furthered his education by receiving his master’s degree in Physics from the University of Wisconsin, Superior, WI and his master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND. Gary served honorably in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves for nine years, achieving the rank of Sargent First Class. On June 28, 1968, Gary was united in marriage to Janet Ferguson in Drayton, ND. Over the next fifteen years, the couple lived and taught in East Grand Forks, Cloquet and Morris, MN. During this time in they were blessed with a son Michael and daughter Christina.
In 1982, Gary obtained a position as a chemical engineer with 3M in St. Paul, MN, which brought the family to Hudson, WI. Later, his position with 3M afforded them the opportunity to spend four years in Naples, Italy. While there, his family enjoyed traveling around Europe and if asked, he loved to share how they celebrated each Christmas taking on the slopes in Austria. After Gary retired in 2002 he and Janet began wintering at Sun City Grand in Surprise, Arizona and spending summers on Long Lake in Vergas, MN. In 2012 he was left devastated by the sudden loss of his beloved wife and mother of his children.
Years later while spending time in Arizona, he met Marsha Hershey, his life partner. The couple lived in Sun City Grand where they created a loving home together. He was always encouraging and supportive to Marsha’s family and held a special place in his heart for her grandson Michael Hershey.
Gary’s many interests included woodworking, photography, tennis, aviation, reading and spending time with his friends and family. He also enjoyed researching his family heritage due to his love of family and desire to preserve his family history. He cherished his children as well as his granddaughters immensely. Gary had a kind spirit with a gentle demeanor and incomparable generosity. He was a bright light to all and is deeply missed.
Surviving Gary is his son Michael (Elizabeth) Hanson, Hudson, WI; daughter Christina (Louis) Bailey, Seattle, WA; granddaughters, Kennedy and Karter Hanson, Hudson, WI; brother Rodney (Linda) Hanson, Roseau, MN; his partner, Marsha Hershey, Surprise, AZ; as well as his niece, nephew, several cousins, and many extended family members from the Hanson, Haugen, and Fugleberg clans.
Preceding Gary in death are his parents, Nubby and Ida Hanson, and his wife, Janet (Ferguson).
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Bethel Lutheran Church, Hudson, WI at 11:00 a.m. A reception at the church will follow the service.
