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Gerald Hanson, 75
 
Newfolden – Gerald “Jerry” Hanson, 75,  Newfolden,  passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls, with his family at his side at the age of 75.
Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 5, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Westaker Free Lutheran Church in Newfolden with Reverend Philip Rokke officiating. 
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 4, from 5 – 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls and also one hour prior to the service on Monday.
Gerald “Jerry” Hanson was born on March 23, 1941 in Roseau, the son of Clarence R. Hanson and A. Leona (Knutson) Hanson.  Jerry grew to adulthood on the family farm with his sister and two brothers.  Jerry attended country school at West Valley and graduated from Newfolden High School in 1959. He studied Auto Mechanics at the AVTI in Thief River Falls.
Jerry worked in Minneapolis for a couple years and then moved to Seattle, WA, returning to the family farm in 1966, where he lived the rest of his life.
On October 7, 1972 Jerry was united in marriage to Kathy Roese at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Together they made their home on the farm and raised their boys, Chad and Corey.
As a young man, Jerry was confirmed at Bethania Lutheran Church in rural Newfolden where he was a member.  Following the closure of Bethania, Jerry and Kathy started attending Westaker Free Lutheran Church.
Jerry worked for Willis Bjorgaard Body Shop in Newfolden until he built his own shop on the farm in 1977.  Jerry also did grain farming until 1987.  He continued to work after his retirement, working primarily on restoring tractors, trucks, and cars.  Jerry was currently working with his good friend, Glenn Meekma on a special project – a 1967 Corvair.
Jerry’s auto mechanic work was not only his career, it was his passion.  He also liked attending auctions and car shows in his spare time. Jerry enjoyed deer hunting with his family and friends. He enjoyed visiting with his longtime friends at senior meals where they were often times accused of being rowdy.  
Jerry was very proud of and enjoyed being with his family. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, Godfather, and friend. 
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Kathy of Newfolden; sons, Chad (Sonja) Hanson of Hawthorne, WI and Corey (Melissa) Hanson of Brooklyn Park; grandchildren, Joshua, Ellie, Carter, and Morgan; brothers, Bruce (Jan) Hanson of Lacy, WA and Donald (Marsha) Hanson of Fargo, ND; uncle, Doug (Betty) Knutson of Burien, WA; mother-in-law, Margie Jarshaw of Thief River Falls; brother-in-law, Richard Hawkins of Whidbey Island, WA; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sharon Hawkins; father-in-law, Irvin Jarshaw; cousin, Evelyn Carter; and several aunts and uncles.
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