Duane C. Hanson, 83, Fertile, MN, died Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston,
MN.
Duane was born on December 3, 1941 to Elmer and Mabel (Larson) Hanson in Fertile, MN. He graduated
from Fertile High School in 1960 and joined the MN Army National Guard shortly thereafter. He was
honorably discharged in 1968 as a Sergeant E5. Duane married Carole (McBain) Thorson in 1980 and
became a stepfather to Scott, Cheryl and Ross. They resided in Bagley, MN before moving back to the farm
in Fertile.
Duane was a farmer for most of his life. He also worked several other jobs, including acting as Crew
Leader at the Oak Lake rest area for 23 years. He served as the Garfield Township treasurer and was an
involved lifetime member of Little Norway Lutheran Church where he served as trustee and taught Sunday
School, among other things.
Outside of work, Duane loved to spend his time outdoors hunting, fishing, trapping, gardening and
traveling. When not busy outdoors or on the road, Duane loved spending time with family and visiting over
a cup of coffee.
Duane is survived by his stepchildren, Scott (Mary) Thorson of Carson City, NV, Cheryl Thorson of
Rochester, MN, and Ross (Kristin) Thorson of Grand Forks, ND; four grandchildren, Christopher (Chrissy)
Thorson of Carson City, NV, Rachel Thorson (Eric Stein) of Owatonna, MN, Nicole (Kevin) Kilbride of
Grand Forks, ND, and Erika Thorson of Grand Forks, ND; two great-granddaughters, Emma and Mia
Thorson of Carson City, NV; a number of cousins; and special friend, Yvonne Berhow. He was preceded in
death by his parents; and his wife, Carole.
The family would like to thank Edgewood Memory Care in East Grand Forks, MN, Villa St. Vincent and
Riverview Hospital in Crookston, MN, and Hospice of the Red River Valley for the wonderful care they
gave Duane.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given to the Little Norway Cemetery Fund, Hospice of
the Red River Valley, or a dementia care facility of your choice.
Memorial Service: 11:00 AM, Friday, March 7, 2025 at Little Norway Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.
Inurnment: Little Norway Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN. (At a later date)
