Dean Hanson

Dean Harold Hanson, 62, of Goodridge, MN, passed away on February 27, 2024 on the Hanson family farm in Highlanding Township where he lived all of his life. He was born March 24,1961 in Thief River Falls, the son of Orlin and Marcella (Haugen) Hanson.

Dean was baptized on May 14, 1961, confirmed in 1976, and was a life-long member at Ekelund Lutheran Church. He also served as the church janitor and cared for the church lawn and cemetery for many years. He also enjoyed attending the Evangelical Covenant Church in Thief River Falls.

He is a 1979 graduate of Goodridge High School. Throughout Dean’s school years, he participated in basketball and played trumpet in the band. Most noteworthy, he had perfect attendance over his 13 years at the Goodridge School. Dean enjoyed attending school events, often videotaping his nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dean enjoyed community activities. As a youth he was a member of the Star 4-H Club and as an adult became a leader of the Highlanding 4-H club. He was involved in the historical society plays as well as other historical society projects. He even wrote a few of the plays, including Gonculator.

He farmed with his father and brother, Dale, until the early 1990s. He worked at Northland College, Hugo’s, and as a cleaner for Thief River Falls Schools. He also helped his nephew, Ben, on the farm.

He was an avid collector of old Hollywood memorabilia and comedy movies, mostly the Marx Brothers, Laurel and Hardy, The Three Stooges, and Abbott and Costello. He enjoyed David Letterman and had one of his letters read on the show. Dean really enjoyed music, especially classic rock.

He was a kind man with a good-natured humor who was always willing to help family, friends, and neighbors.

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Dawn Hanson of Goodridge, MN; 3 nephews, Benjamin Hanson, Red Lake Falls, MN, Clifton (Catherine) Hanson and children Lorna and DaHai of Mildenhall, United Kingdom, Andrew (Kerin) Hanson and children Kaylinn, Bennett, and Aesa of Bemidji, MN; 3 nieces, Brittany (Zane) Hawk and daughter Lillian of Thief River Falls, MN, Tiffany Barta (special friend, Jerry Rauch) and son Darius of Guthrie, MN, Rachel (Drew) Jaeger and daughter Eden of Bemidji, MN. He is also survived by uncle, Marlyn Haugen of Oklee, MN, aunt, Clara Iverson of Thief River Falls, MN, and aunt, Joy Haugen of Bovey, MN and several cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Harold and Mae (Rodman) Haugen and Justin and Selma (Thoreson) Hanson; aunts and uncles, Violet (Milan) Eliason, Vernon Iverson, Harvey Haugen, Doloris Haugen, and Bonnie (Charles) Prigge; and infant cousin, Mark Haugen.