Douglas Robert Hanson, 73, passed away peacefully at his home in Rochester, MN on April 24, 2024 surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on November 26, 1950 to Robert and Ramona Hanson of Adams, MN, his precociousness as a young child was the subject of family lore. During Doug’s adolescence, the family moved to Chatfield, MN where they lived until he graduated high school in 1968. After high school, Doug attended St. Olaf College, graduating with a BA in Philosophy in 1972. Outside the classroom, Doug was a voracious reader and maintained a sense of curiosity throughout his life.
Following college, Doug enrolled in the Peace Corps and served as an agricultural volunteer in the Philippines for two years. This experience resulted in a broadened worldview, and lifelong friendships and memories.
Following his time in the Peace Corps, Doug returned to Adams, MN where he began farming. He married Patricia “Pat” (née Lawler) Hanson in 1982 and they raised two children, Annie and Matt, together. Doug enjoyed fatherhood, and especially cherished the time he was able to spend with his kids when they were small. His children will fondly remember his intellect, kindness, generosity and humor.
During retirement, Doug began his partnership with Renee Hemingway. The two embarked upon many adventures together, including remodeling homes, deepening their spirituality through meditation and music, and caring for their beloved dogs, Bailey, Rosie and Walker. Doug also devoted time to his creative pursuits during retirement, including gardening and writing poetry.
Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ramona Hanson and his infant sister, Ann.
Doug is survived by his partner, Renee Hemingway and her children, grandchildren and a great-granddaughter; daughter Annie Ahlijah, son-in-law Makafui, and granddaughter Astrid of Richfield, MN; son, Matt Hanson, daughter-in-law Mandy and grandsons Wesley and Wyatt of Byron, MN; siblings Mary (John) Eacker of Spokane, WA, Patrice (Bruce) Morse of Powell, WY, Reed (Jill) Hanson of Chaska, MN and Sarah Hanson of Cody, WY; uncles Jim (Mary Ann) Hanson of Fremont, NE, and Larry (Shirley) Hanson of Austin, MN; cousins, nieces (including two great nieces) and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN on Saturday, May 4th from 2:00-5:00pm.
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