Helen Hanson

HELEN HANSON

Helen Evangeline Youngner was born January 12, 1924 near Nelson, MN, the daughter of Walter and Lydia (Johnson) Youngner. She grew up on the family farm and attended elementary school at Nelson. In 1942 Helen graduated from Alexandria High School. She continued her education at St. Cloud Teacher’s College.

Helen taught at several schools in the towns of Alexandria, Osakis, Clarissa, and Long Prairie. In 1945, she met Reverend Andrew Hanson at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Originally from Flint, MI, Andrew was serving as a student pastor for the summer. They were married on June 19, 1946 at Fahlun Lutheran Church near Nelson. The couple made their home in Annandale, MN where they began raising their family. They were blessed with four children. Helen and her family moved to Clarissa, MN in 1952. After thirty-three years in Clarissa, Helen and Andy moved to Long Prairie in 1985.

At the various churches where Andy served as pastor, Helen was at his side as his partner in ministry. Serving as the pastor’s wife was her full time occupation. Helen always stepped forward to do her part; supporting her husband’s ministry was also her ministry. She was active in Christian education in the churches, teaching Sunday school, released time, and vacation Bible school. Helen was active in Ladies’ Aid groups and served as hostess for many church events, dinners and meetings. Doing what she could to serve and improve the lives of less fortunate folks was very important to her.

Helen had a thirst for knowledge and a studious, inquisitive mind. She enjoyed reading and participating in study groups. She loved to travel with her family, taking trips to east and west coasts, Canada, Michigan, and in later years to Israel, Egypt, and Europe. Helen enjoyed sewing and was an excellent cook and baker. Her family loved her pies, cinnamon rolls and stew. And she loved her family. Helen loved being able to spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 2012 Helen and Andy moved to Minneapolis, MN to be closer to family.

On Tuesday, August 22, 2017 Helen died at the age of ninety-three years. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Andrew James Nelson; her sister, Dorothy Johnson; and brothers, Philip and Paul Youngner. Helen is survived by her husband, Reverend Andrew Hanson; daughter Faith and husband, Reverend Elden Nelson, of Prinsburg, MN; sons, Timothy Hanson of Minneapolis, Jonathan Hanson of Minneapolis and Paul Hanson and wife, Mary, of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Anne Byrnes, Maren Skyberg, Tricia Nelson, Benjamin Nelson and Mikal Nelson; great grandchildren, Maya Byrnes, Rebekah Nelson, Hannah Nelson, Sarah Nelson, Joshua Nelson, Jakob Nelson, Anna Maila Nelson and Kamilla Nelson; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held Monday, August 28, 2017 at the American Lutheran Church in Long Prairie. Reverend Elden Nelson was the officiant. Interment was in the Fahlun Lutheran Church Cemetery near Nelson.

Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.