Caren Hanson

Memorial services for Caren Hanson of Benson, Minnesota, will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at East Zion Lutheran Church, rural Starbuck, with Reverend Steve Carmany officiating.  Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.  A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Caren Wayne Hanson, son of Raphie and Myra (Alden) Hanson, was born November 15, 1940 at his home near Benson, Minnesota. Caren grew up on the family farm near Benson, attending country school and later graduating from Benson High School.  Following his graduation, Caren enrolled in a trade school studying masonry. Caren would later own and operate Hanson Brothers Masonry in the Starbuck area. Caren was drafted to the United States Army in 1963 and received an honorable discharge in 1965. He was united in marriage to Sandy Berget March 25, 1967 at Kerkhoven Lutheran Church.  The couple bought Caren’s family farm, where they raised their family and lived for 48 years. In November of 2022, Caren and Sandy moved to their daughter’s home on Pelican Lake, where he continued to live until the time of his passing.

Caren was a member of East Zion Lutheran Church, where he served on the cemetery committee and was the church trustee.  Caren enjoyed hunting, fishing and working in his yard.  He loved to travel, taking trips to Mexico, Canada and to 49 of the 50 states! His travels also included cruises to Mexico and Alaska, as well as a bus trip across Canada.  Caren loved family get togethers at the farm, playing volleyball, horseshoes and beanbags.  Christmas was his favorite holiday and loved when the whole family would be home together.  Caren will be remembered as being a man who worked hard, knew the importance of going to church, and always showing his family how much love he had for them.

Caren passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at his home, under the wonderful care of Glacial Ridge Hospice.  He was 82 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy of Glenwood; three children: Chris (Sheri) Hanson of Bismarck, ND, Julie Hanson of Glenwood and Rob (Trudy) Hanson of Starbuck; six grandchildren: Caitlin (Grant) Desme, Kelsey (Gavin Huntley) Hanson, Sarah Hanson, Quinn Hanson, Owen Hanson and Sophia Hanson; four great-grandchildren: Gemma Desme, Charlie Desme, Declan Desme and Margo Huntley; sister-in-law: Elva Hanson; brother-in-law: Dewayne Johnson and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Robert, Derald and Myron Hanson and sister: Ardis Johnson.