Joseph Hanson

Joseph Francis Hanson was born October 4, 1950 in Alexandria, MN, the son of Reuben and Emma (Weber) Hanson. He was raised in Alexandria where he attended school. Joseph was an Eagle Scout and a volunteer for the Civil Air Patrol. Following his graduation from Jefferson High School, Joseph continued his education at Alexandria Technical College.

Learning was something Joseph loved to do. Throughout his life he continued to work on college degrees. He received degrees in physics and engineering from St. John’s University and the University of Minnesota.

At age twenty-five Joseph joined the Navy, completed special warfare training and became a Navy SEAL. He served on active duty for five years and completed twenty years in the Naval Reserves. He attained the rank of Major and was activated late in his career for service during the Gulf War.

Following his discharge from active duty with the Navy, he continued his education at universities in Nevada and California. During this time, he worked as a civil employee of the Navy doing underwater welding projects and operating a small construction and remodeling business. Joseph received his master’s degree in civil engineering and went to work for the State of California. He became a bridge inspector and was assigned to inspect the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. It took two years to completely inspect the more than four-mile long bridge. When the inspection was completed Joseph immediately began the next two-year inspection of the bridge. He retired from California Transit at the age of sixty-two years.

Joseph kept himself fit by running, going to the gym and cross-country skiing. He enjoyed baseball, target shooting, riding bicycle and outdoor sports. After retiring he returned to Alexandria and built his own home. Due to an industrial accident while doing a bridge inspection, Joseph’s health began to decline.

Joseph was fun loving, very giving, stubborn and liked by many people

On Thursday, December12, 2019, Joseph died in Alomere Hospital in Alexandria at the age of sixty-nine years. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Lawrence Hanson. Joseph is survived by his son, Alexander Kershner of San Luis Obispo, CA; three brothers, Richard Hanson and wife, Judie, of Arden Hills, MN, William Hanson and wife, Patricia, of Houston TX and Charles Hanson and wife, Sheryl, of Bellevue, CO; two sisters, Mary Bozzo of Saint Joseph, MN and Ann Whittet of Bloomer, WI; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 PM Thursday, December 19, 2019, at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria. Reverend Father Steve Binsfeld will be the celebrant. Visitation will be from 12 Noon to 1 PM Thursday at the church. Interment will be later in Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net