Leland Hanson

Leland Curtis Hanson, son of Jens and Bertha (Skeslien) Hanson, was born July 6, 1926 in Langhei Township in Pope County, Minnesota, where he grew up and attended country school. He was baptized and confirmed at East Zion Lutheran Church. While growing up, Leland worked on the family farm. Following his schooling, he enlisted in the United States Army in January, 1945. During his military service, he was sent to Japan. Following his time in the military, he returned to the Starbuck area and continued to farm. In 1961, he joined several friends from the Starbuck area and went to Alaska to work. While in Alaska, he met and married Genevieve DeLand. In 1968, the family returned to Starbuck, where they bought the C. R. Henderson farm in Langhei Township. Where they farmed, raised hogs and beef cattle. In 1980, Leland retired from farming. He did return to Alaska to work for several months each year until 1994, when he also retired from that. Lee and Genny moved to a new home in Starbuck in 2001, where they have continued to live until the time of Leland's death.



Leland was a member of the Starbuck Card Room, VFW, International Union of Operating Engineers and the East Zion Lutheran Cemetery Board. Leland was an avid reader his entire life. His years of working above the Arctic Circle and in Alaska as a "Cat Skinner" fostered his enjoyment working with large construction equipment. His first passions were for family and farming. Lee enjoyed hunting and loved to fish. He was a skilled cribbage player and enjoyed the card room and friends in his retirement.



Leland died on Monday, April 28, 2008 at his home in Starbuck, MN, having lived to reach the age of 81 years.



He is survived by his wife: Genevieve Hanson of Starbuck; four children: Sue (David) Strickler of Starbuck, Randy (Judy) Hanson of Minot, ND, Lori (Rick) Hanson of Wabasha and LeAnn Hanson of Starbuck; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and two sisters: Irene (Charles) Klinger of Salem, OR, Adeline Parmelee of Starbuck. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers and one sister.



Honorary pallbearers are: Ray Danielson, Don Erickson, Don Tangen, David Strickler, Rick Merchlewitz, Mark Kruen, Loni DeSmith, Mike Hanson and Jerry Hanson. Monica Gosseling will serve as organist for the service with Arne Pederson and Shania Merchlewitz serving as soloists. Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.