Erwin A. Hanson, McGregor, died Jan. 30, 2012, at Western Arizona Medical Center, Bullhead City, Ariz., with his wife, Janice, and daughter, Susan, by his side. He had suffered a heart attack on Jan. 20.
Erwin was born in McGregor on Dec. 1, 1928, to Edwin and Minnie (Wylie) Hanson. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Church and attended school in McGregor through ninth grade. His family moved to Seattle, where he attended and graduated from Garfield High School in 1946.
He returned to McGregor in 1950 to help his aunt Clara Hanson operate her grocery store after her husband, Art, had died.
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Erwin was drafted into the Army in 1952 during the Korean War. He served most of his active time in Paris, France, with NATO forces and was discharged in 1954.
He returned to McGregor and began his employment at Amerada Hess in Tioga. He retired in April 1986, but then farmed full time until retiring "officially" in 1990.
Erwin married Janice Barden on Sept. 21, 1963, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Noonan. They became parents through adoption of two beloved children, Susan and Kent. Their lives were enriched further by the births of five grandchildren who played a large part in the enjoyment they both found in life.
Erwin was always active in his community and church, and was a long-time member of Tioga American Legion Post #139. He was always available to help anyone in need and was respected and loved by all who knew him.
He and Janice were very lucky to be able to spend 21 winters in Sun City, Ariz., near their daughter, and close to many good friends who also wintered there.
An "Irish wake" was held at their home in Sun City in February where family, friends and former co-workers gathered to honor him.
He is survived by: his wife, Janice; daughter, Susan (Darin) Plutowski; son, Kent (partner Tanya and her son, Chance); cherished grandchildren Dacotah and Bree Hanson and Drew, Lane and Ryan Plutowski; brother, James (Midge); sisters, Fern Barkley, Elene Duncan and Pearl Bjodstrup; brothers-in-law, Lowell (Joy) Barden, Lance Barden, Guy Feland; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Minnie; brother, Oliver; brothers-in-law, George Barkley, William Duncan, Frank Bjodstrup, Larry Barden; sisters-in-law, Zona Hanson, Marilyn Feland and Helen Barden; father and mother-in-law, Vernon and Elsie Barden.
Services will be held Friday, June 1, at 1:30 p.m., in Zion Lutheran Church, McGregor.
Burial will immediately follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery with military honors.
Reception immediately after at church.
Memorials can be made to Upper Missouri Bible Camp, Epping; White Earth First Lutheran Church re-building fund, White Earth; or Ronald McDonald House, Rochester, Minn.
Arrangements are being made by Dimond and Sons Silver Bell Chapel, Bullhead City.