GUCKEEN — Thomas Edwin Hanson died on Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, at the age of 92. At the time of his passing, he and his wife of 68 years, Margaret, continued to reside in Guckeen, Minnesota, with the loving care of their son, Peter.

Tom was born, the fourth of five children, Feb. 6, 1927, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, to Henrietta (Sheehan) and Edwin Hanson. He graduated high school early to enlist in the Navy at the end of World War II. After the war, he attended the University of Minnesota and then St. John’s University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

Margaret was attending the College of St. Benedict’s when they met. They married on June 5, 1951, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Faribault, Minnesota. They raised their family in Faribault, MN; Pickstown, SD; and Guckeen, MN. Throughout, Tom taught nearly every high school subject over his 44-year career, including 35 years in Granada. His students were much loved by him and grew in knowledge and character because of his dedication and humor. He was often regarded as their favorite teacher.

Tom was a fountain of information and knew something about everything. He was a lifelong learner who passed his vast, unique knowledge and curiosity on to generations of Hansons. The center of his life and true joy was always his family. We remember long summer afternoons on the porch filled with card games, conversation and socks with sandals. He was quick to laughter and the king of long jokes. His hugs were the warmest and his love unconditional. We will miss his embrace and smile as he bid us farewell.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Grebner); his children, Kris Hanson (Ted Witt), Adrian (Kay), Carrie McNea, Peter, Gregory (Sharon), John (Susie Miless), David (Patti), Monica Wickelgren (Steven), Mary Skaar (Kent), Andrew (Kristi), Dan (Kimberly Carr); 36 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his son, Paul; and siblings Anita Mae, Donald, Bernard and Irene. 

Burial will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, at Rose Lake Cemetery, 104th St. (County Road 124), Martin County, MN, 56039.

Memorials in lieu of flowers preferred for https://interfaithcaregivers.net/support/ Interfaith Caregivers of Blue Earth MN; The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America http://bit.ly/2MNM1MS or St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church https://sspeterpaulmary.org/ in Blue Earth.

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