Donald N. Hanson

Donald N. Hanson, age 80, of Lawton, ND, died Thursday, November 24, 2022 at Prairie Rose Apartments in Lakota, ND, with his wife by his side.

Donald Neil Hanson was born May 27, 1942 in Devils Lake, ND, the son of Willie and Myrtle (Ulstad) Hanson.  He attended the Triumph School and Edmore High School, graduating in 1960.  He attended UND, graduating in 1965 with a degree in History, then he pursued a Law degree.  During his second year of Law School, he met the love of his life, Verena Venzke.  They were married June 15, 1968 at Lockbourne AFB, Ohio.  Before he could finish his Law degree he was drafted into the U.S. Air Force, in which he served from 1966 to 1971.  After basic training he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant into Weapons Controller School at Tydall AFB in Florida.  He was then assigned as a Weapons Controller on an EC-121 reconnaissance plane at McClellan AFB in Sacramento, CA.  He spent 3 tours of duty at Khorat, Thailand, and Taiwan during the Vietnam War.  He loved the Air Force and received many combat ribbons.  He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.  Don then attended Western State Law School and obtained his Law degree in 1975 while also working in a cabinet shop.  Instead of pursuing a career in Law, he came back to Lawton in 1976 to operate the family farm.  He retired from farming in 2007, but continued helping his son-in-law, Derrick.  The greatest joy in his life was spending time with his grandchildren.

Donald will be missed by his beloved wife of 54 years, Verena; son, Stephen (Jenny) Hanson of Aurora, CO; daughter, Jessica (Derrick) Beck of Lawton, ND; 5 grandchildren, Sophia, Isabella & Katrina Beck, Preston Hanson, and Marissa (Ryan) Wagoner; 4 great granddaughters; brother, William Hanson of Cavalier, ND; sister, Margaret (Nels) Persson of Laguna Niguel, CA; 2 nieces; 3 nephews; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie & Myrtle Hanson; and his mother & father-in-law, Eva Roth & Dr. Guenther Venzke.

The Funeral Service will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church of Edmore, ND, on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be in the Edmore Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

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