Lawrence “Larry” Douglas Hanson, 71, passed away early Monday morning, September 12, 2022, at the Villa St. Vincent Memory Care Unit in Crookston with his loving wife, Nancy, by his side. He had been battling Parkinson’s disease for many years.
Larry was born on August 7, 1951, in Fargo, ND to Arthur and Virginia (Hegland) Hanson and was the oldest of six children. Larry always had fun stories about growing up with his five siblings.
He graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1969 and went on to the University of MN and the School of Pharmacy, graduating in 1974. He interned at St Cloud Hospital before coming to Crookston, where he met the love of his life, Nancy Kay Myrold. The two were united in marriage on November 26, 1977. Larry’s love for Nancy was like no other and he lit up every time she walked in the room. They enjoyed couples bowling league, spending time with friends and family, and were lucky enough to enjoy two cruises. Together, they raised their children, Amber and Brian, in a very loving home. Some of Amber and Brian’s fondest memories include hitting the ball around in the yard, trips to Starland video, competitive Nintendo and board game nights, and helping dad with his many projects.
Larry was employed at Pamida Pharmacy and Osmon Drug before accepting a position with the RiverView Hospital Pharmacy. He loved his work at RiverView and would often visit good friend and fellow pharmacist, Jerry Lindsey, for coffee on his days off or after Sunday church. He enjoyed working so much that even on his days off from the hospital, Larry was often found in pharmacies throughout the Red River Valley from Park Rapids to Roseau, helping small business owners so that they could have a day off. He remained an institution in the Riverview Pharmacy for over 25 years until ill health made it necessary to retire early.
Reading was another love that filled Larry’s life. A good book was how he would spend his nights before going to bed. Summer camping trips to Vagabond Village were valued vacations where he could spend time with the kids in the pool, rent a boat for the day, and try to catch a fish or two. Larry was also a member of Riverview’s bowling team for the Wednesday Men’s league, and loved golfing with family and friends around area courses which helped keep him young. He enjoyed collecting baseball cards and Hallmark ornaments, spending time with family and friends, and watching Amber play tennis and Brian play football and wrestle. But most of all spending time with his grandchildren made him the happiest. His face and eyes would light up when surrounded by Hannah, Maddie, Brody and Bowen. The grandkids will always remember grandpa’s ‘hide the trolls’ game, building Lego sets together, playing board games, and just cuddling up with him to watch a movie.
Larry’s last years were spent at the Villa where he checked on the nurses, watched church services and various sports on television, moved things around throughout the unit, and kept the staff on their toes while jokingly giving them a hard time. The family is very thankful for all who cared for him and their continued kindness to both him and them. Larry had a gentle spirit, was friends to all he came in contact with, was strong in his faith, and loved unconditionally.
Larry is lovingly survived by Nancy, his wife and best friend for over 44 years; their children and grandchildren: Amber Lindemoen and her daughter, Hannah, and Brian Hanson and wife, Megan, and their children, Maddie, Brody, and Bowen; sisters: Pauline (Dr. William) Berghoff, Ardele Hanson (Brian Thom), Marge (Mike) Powers, and Kris (Clay) Parcels; brother, Charlie (Avis) Hanson; and from Nancy’s family: Jon (Debbie) Myrold, Joni (Leelan) Evans, and Kristy (Jason) Leas; together with many valued nieces and nephews.
Larry’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service to be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston with The Rev. Greg Isaacson, officiating. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the service. The funeral will be live-streamed by going to Larry’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Messages of condolence to the family may also be conveyed on the website.
