Thomas James Hanson

Thomas James Hanson, age 87, of Hayfield, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, August 18, 2022, at the Legacy of Brownsdale. Tom was born on August 22, 1934, to Palmer and Mildred (Hutton) in Hayfield, Minnesota. Tom served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. While still in high school, he met Lotus Paape at the local roller rink. The couple married on June 25, 1955, at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Waltham. They lived in the Hayfield/Waltham area all of their lives. Tom was a lifelong member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. For most of his life, he spent his working years on the road as a semi-truck driver. In his spare time, Tom loved watching old westerns, listening to classic country music, putting together puzzles, and trying to solve brain teasers. His hobbies also included training and showing horses, working in his shop, and playing guitar in his bands throughout the years. Tom’s greatest joy was time spent with family, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He taught many of them how to play the guitar. Tom will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

Survivors include his children, Todd (Mary) Hanson of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Jody (Dan) Morrisette of Oak Island, North Carolina, Dawn Lorentz of Kasson, Minnesota, and Lori (Chuck Kerrins) Hanson of Grand Meadow, Minnesota. He was also blessed with ten grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Those who journeyed ahead that he will join in heaven include his wife, Lotus; his parents, Palmer and Mildred; nine siblings; grandson, Kelly Hanson; and great grandson, Easton Thomas Lorentz.