LaVern J. Hanson, 78, Bowbells, died Sunday, June 14, 2009, in a Minot hospital.

LaVern James Hanson was born March 15, 1931, a son of Arthur and Mildred (Bell) Hanson, in Kenmare. He was raised on a farm in Denmark Township, Ward County. He attended rural school and graduated from Bowbells High School in 1948.

He was united in marriage to Rose Matte on Jan. 3, 1954, at the Kenmare Methodist Church. LaVern and Rose were the third generation on the Ole P. Hanson (Lavern's grandfather) homestead farm in Denmark Township.

He was a member of the SCS in Kenmare, Farmers United Elevator and United Methodist Church, all of Bowbells. He was also a member of the Bowbells Masonic Lodge No. 75, Order of the Eastern Star and Rabboni Lodge in Bowbells. He was a square dance caller for 12 years, calling in North Dakota and Canada. He was also a member of several square dance clubs in the area.

LaVern enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, attending their school and sporting activities. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and will be missed by all that knew him.

Those who shared his life: Wife, Rose Hanson, Bowbells; sons, Duane (Betty) Hanson, West Fargo, Dean (Desiree) Hanson, Tioga; grandchildren, Kelly (Ryan) Watson, Fargo, Becca (special friend Lance Johnson) Casselton, Fargo, Kelci Hanson, Tioga, Tyler Hanson, Tioga; great-granddaughter, Abigail Watson, Fargo; sister, Gladys (Dennis) Barnes, Minot; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

LaVern was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Arvie Hanson; brothers-in-law, Oscar Matte and Armand Matte.

Funeral service: Friday, June 19, 2009 at 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church, Bowbells.

Burial: Bowbells Community Cemetery, Bowbells.

Visitation: Thursday, June 18, 2009, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Kenmare.

Memorials are preferred to the Bowbells Cemetery or the Bowbells Fire and Ambulance.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).