Emil Everett Hanson, 94, Ambrose, N.D., died peacefully, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at St. Luke's Hospital, Crosby, N.D., where he had been a patient for several months.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Ambrose Lutheran Church, Ambrose, Friday, Oct. 16, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Ron Dahle officiating. Burial will follow at the Ambrose Cemetery. Visitation will be today, Oct. 15, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Stakston-Martin Funeral Home, Crosby, and also Friday, one hour before the service, at the church.

Everett was born Dec. 1, 1914, the third living son of Emil and Minnie Hanson, at his parents' homestead south of Ambrose. The family moved to Ambrose and later to a farm north of Ambrose, where Everett grew to manhood along with his five siblings. As years passed and his parents retired, Everett purchased the family farm ,which is now owned by his granddaughter and her husband.

During the Depression of the 1930s, Everett joined the CCC and worked on government projects in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. He formed many lifelong friendships during this time.

On Oct. 20, 1935, Everett married the love of his life, Bernice Knutson. Together they celebrated almost 74 wonderful years of marriage. To this union was born one daughter, Marlyn, and one son, Leslie.

Everett was a lifelong farmer in Blooming Prairie Township, where he toiled diligently as a dedicated caretaker of the land he loved.

Everett was an enthusiastic horseman and was the proud owner of several well bred show and race horses. His love of horses was instilled in his children, and together they spent many wonderful times trail riding, showing and racing their horses.

As a philanthropist, Everett and his wife willingly volunteered time and monetary support to various organizations because they deeply felt it was their duty to share their financial rewards with the community. Everett was a member and trustee of the Ambrose Lutheran Church, a founding member of the Crosby Moose Lodge, the Williston Elks, Crosby Kiwanis, Minot Eagles and the American Quarter Horse Association.

Everett took great pride in his grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's successes, both in academics and sports. He openly expressed his love and support to each one as they achieved their goals.

Everett is survived by: his loving wife; two children, Marlyn (Richard) Marschner, Voltaire, N.D., Leslie (Leanne) Hanson, Williston, N.D.; three grandchildren, Debbie (Neil) Benter, Crosby, Joel Wigginton, Ambrose, Jeffery Hanson, Williston; six great-grandchildren, Carly (Joseph) Juetten, Chicago, Ill., Derek Benter and Courtney Wigginton, UND, Grand Forks, N.D., Taylor Wigginton, Crosby, and Nichole and Jennifer Hanson, San Diego, Calif. He is also survived by one brother, Arden "Babe" (Marie) Hanson, Crosby, N.D.; one sister, Lucille (Ellsworth) Johnson, Edina, Minn.; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Arnold, Harold, Eldon and Ronald Hanson; and son-in-law, Arnold Wigginton.

Memorials: Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor's choice.

Stakston-Martin Funeral Home of Crosby is in charge of arrangements.