Darlene Hanson
July 13, 1933 ~ May 21, 2023
Darlene Evangeline Naomi Hanson (Fatland), age 89, formerly from Pueblo, CO passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, May 21 at Arbor Park Assisted Living in Moorhead, MN.
Darlene was born July 13, 1933, in Walcott, ND to Daniel and Norma (Peterson) Fatland. She was the middle child and had six brothers who knew she was the boss.😊 Darlene was baptized and confirmed at Walcott Lutheran Church and attended school in Walcott, graduating from high school in 1951. After high school, she attended NDSCS and obtained a degree in nursing.
In July of 1955, Darlene married Arnold Hanson from Walcott. In November 1956, their son, Douglas Arnold was born, and then their daughter, Angela Denise was born in November of 1957. They started their married life in Glendive, MT where Darlene worked as a nurse. From Glendive they moved to Fargo, ND, then Moorhead, MN. In 1970, they moved their family to Pueblo, CO where Darlene lived until 2022. In 2022, her younger brother, Darlan, brought her back to North Dakota to care for her. Since February of 2023, she was a resident at Arbor Park Assisted Living in Moorhead.
Darlene and Arnold loved to go camping with their family in their younger years. Glen and Esther Fatland were their partners in crime on some of these outings. They liked to collect driftwood and crafted the wood into artwork. After working as a nurse at the Veteran’s Hospital in Fargo, Darlene became a stay-at-home Mom. For a period of time, she sold Shaklee products and massage recliners for those with back issues. She also was known for her love of cooking and baking, making lots of Norwegian Christmas goodies including her annual traditional Norwegian Kransekake (Christmas cake). In addition, Arnold and Darlene were the genealogist for the Fatland and Peterson families. Many hours were spent gathering and compiling the history of these two families.
Darlene and Arnold enjoyed travelling around Colorado, coming back to North Dakota to visit family, and attending Norwegian events. The highlight of their travels was a trip to Norway with three of her brothers and two sisters-in-law.
Family was very important, and she was very sad when her daughter, Angie, passed away suddenly in 2015 and then Arnold, her husband of 62 years, passed away on Christmas Eve 2017.
Darlene will be remembered by her son, Doug, grandchildren, Daricia Long and William Long, and great-grandchild, Adonis Long. She is also survived by her brothers, Dean Fatland and Darlan Fatland; special family member Cynthia Erickson; many nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces, and great-great nephews and nieces. Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold; daughter, Angie; her parents; brothers and sisters-in-law Donald (Frances), Duane (Martha), Darwin (Edwaina), and Dennis; sisters-in-law Sylvia Fatland, Mary Bond Fatland, and Barbara Miller; and nieces Robin Cummins and Jan Fatland.
A private graveside service will be held at Walcott Cemetery at a date to be determined later.
Darlene always had a smile and fun to be around.
Sitting here this evening thinking about the many childhood memories with Aunt Darlene. There were camping trips, 4th of July celebrations, cookie making, and most of all, her contagious laughter. Until we meet again, may our Lord bless you and keep you.