Clarence Hanson

Clarence E. Hanson, age 98, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 1, 2020, at his Lilac Homes residence in Moorhead MN. Clarence was born in New Maine Township (MN) to Hartvig and Tena (Anderson) Hanson, the 5th of 13 children. He worked on the family farm until his marriage in June, 1949, to Betty J. Melvie of Thief River Falls, MN. The couple settled in Newfolden, MN, where Clarence started a trucking business to serve the local farming community. In 1957, Clarence and Betty moved their growing family to Fargo, ND, where Clarence, skilled in carpentry and mechanics, worked in the construction trade as a credentialed carpenters union employee until his retirement. He was active in a number of civic and service-oriented organizations, including Kiwanis and Sons of Norway, where he and Betty together enjoyed volunteering and dancing. He was a contributing member of Fargo's Bethel Evangelical Free Church, serving regularly there as an usher and trustee. He and Betty were volunteers for many years and later residents at Pioneer House/Elim Care in Fargo. Clarence will be remembered for his cheerful, outgoing personality, his zestful sense of humor, his love of music and gardening, and his easy way with children. In addition to his parents, Clarence is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Betty, and 7 siblings. He is survived by his sons Roger (Norma) and Robert (Paulette), and daughters Rachel (Monte) Baumgarten, Karen (Bryan), and Kristine (Mitch) Hare; 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings and many nieces and nephews.