In Memory of Leona B. Hanson August 23, 1914 – July 27, 2018 Leona was born August 23, 1914, the only child of Herlig Lund and Harvey Larson. In 1916 they moved from St. Ansgar, Iowa, to Jesse, North Dakota; moving again in 1917 and settling in Lake Emma Township. In 1931 Leona graduated salutatorian from Park Rapids, High School.
She continued her education at Concordia College in Moorhead, where she was part of the celebrated Concordia Choir. Graduating in 1935 she began… Read More » her teaching career in the Nevis, Minnesota school system. From there she went to Elk River, Minnesota, where she taught from 1940-1942.
In the summer of l942 Leona went to Oakland, California where a friend from Nevis, Harold Hanson was stationed with the National Guards. They were married in July of that summer. Leona returned to Elk River for the beginning of the school year, but then joined Harold at Camp Davis, North Carolina.
When he was shipped overseas, following the birth of their son John, Leona went back to Park Rapids. Harold returned in 1945 and they moved to the farm in Lake Emma Township. Leona was active in the Dorset Study Club, PTA, and on the school board.
She was an organist for First English Lutheran Church and in 1946 she became the choir director. With the birth of her next three children, Patricia, Rebecca and Roger, she didn’t return to teaching in Nevis until 1958. She then taught English, Speech and was the choir director for a period of time.
In 1966, Harold was hired by the State of Minnesota, to manage Magney State Park in Grand Marais; the family spent summers there and moved there in 1968. Leona joined the Cook County School District and taught English and Speech. In 1978, upon retirement, Leona and Harold returned to Park Rapids to care for Leona’s parents.
Leona resumed her church activities including directing the choir. In 1992 Harold and Leona celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Harold died the following year.
Leona remained active in her church; traveling to see her children and attending yearly Shakespeare Festivals in the West. In 2010, at age 96, she retired after over 50 years as choir director at First English Lutheran Church. In 2013 she moved from her home of 35 years to an apartment at Heritage Manor in Park Rapids.
In December 2016, she moved to her final home at Heritage Living Center. She was 103+ years old. Leona is survived by her daughter Patricia (Jack), Boise, Idaho; son, Roger, Grand Marais, Minnesota; three grandsons, Robert Hanson Mann, Bullhead City, Arizona; John Hanson Mann, Gilmer, Texas; Jack D. Blackwell, Soldotna, Alaska; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold, son John and daughter, Rebecca. Funeral: 11:00 A.M., Thursday, August 2, 2018, at First English Lutheran Church in Dorset, with Rev. Chris Davis officiating.
Honorary pallbearers will be: Arlene and Ralph Rittgers and all those who were a part of Leona’s life in friendship and kindness. Casket bearers for the service will be: Roger Hanson, Jack A. Blackwell, Jack D. Blackwell, Dr. Alan Olander, James Olander, Maridee Schroeder. Arrangements are by Cease Funeral Home, Park Rapids.
Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids. Following the funeral service, please join us for a lunch-reception to be held in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to consider a donation to Hospice or the Living at Home Program for the Park Rapids area.
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