Richard G. Hanson

Richard (Rick) G. Hanson, age 68 of Alexandria, Minnesota passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2024. at his home. The funeral service will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 11 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Minnesota. There will be a visitation held at the Anderson Funeral home in Alexandria, MN on Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 4-7 PM and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Rick was born August 24, 1956, in Fergus Falls, MN to Jeanette (Glennon) and Richard (Dick) Hanson of Battle Lake, MN. Growing up Rick enjoyed time at the lake, sports and most importantly deer and duck hunting. He attended high school at Battle Lake, MN and additional schooling at Alexandria Technical College and Moorhead State University in Moorhead, MN.

While crashing a wedding reception of a friend in Alexandria, MN, he met Jane Schultz. They married on June 19, 1982, and lived in Richfield, MN and at a home in Plymouth, MN. They had two children, Derek and Kelsey. In 1996 the family moved to Alexandria, MN. Rick was a salesman in the Food Brokerage business for several years. He started working for Rainbow Rider as a public transportation driver and found that to be a perfect match for his gift of conversation and humor. Upon retirement, he worked part-time for the Alexandria School District 206 in the Transportation department. He received much joy from working with the kids and many of the kids would approach him when he was out and about to say hi.

 Rick was known for his fun and engaging personality. He could start a conversation up with anyone and before he knew it, he had a friend. If he knew someone was in need, he would do whatever he could to help them. He enjoyed traveling with his family and hunting deer, elk and ducks. He had a special bond with his children and for many years took them to camp on an island at Black Duck lake near Orr, MN. One of these trips resulted in losing track of the days and caused his wife Jane to panic and have law enforcement meeting him at the landing with Rick pulling up in his boat responding “Oops, I guess I lost a day!” This area was a special place for Rick and as his health deteriorated, a family vacation was planned in August over his birthday this year. The trip was filled with special memories and him reminiscing of his past adventures in this beautiful area. The family will always hold on to that special trip shortly before his death.

 After Rick’s sudden passing, he leaves behind his wife Jane, son Derek (Laura) Hanson and Kelsey Hanson (Eric Hull), brother Dan (Linette) Hanson, their children Stephen Hanson, Leah Hanson, Andrew Hanson, Anthony Hanson and sister Roberta Hanson, her children Richard Somdahl, Charlie Somdahl, Elizabeth Somdahl and Brother-in-Law John (Gladys) Schultz and Former Brother-in-Law David Somdahl and many other cherished family and friends. Rick was preceded in death by his parents Jeanette (Glennon) and Richard (Dick) Hanson and many beloved dogs, Sandy, Buster, B.J., Maggie, Wednesday and Max.