Jerald Hanson

Jerry and I joined Metris (known as Fingerhut Financial Services in those days) as contractors within a few days of each other, in May 1996. Having just migrated to this state from India, I got my first lessons on seasons in Minnesota from Jerry. "We have only two seasons in Minnesota - the winter season and the construction season", he updated me when we went together for the photo session for our badges.
I have always appreciated Jerry's sense of humor. But what amazed me most was...

I had the advantage of getting to know Jerry after he was already sick. The times he and I spent playing Chess together were wonderful. He always kept his old sense of humor, too. I remember one time when I told him the time I was going to win, and he said with a straight face, "I won't live long enough for you to learn how to beat me." Another time, he was to go out to lunch with Donna, and as she was leaving, we started another game. He told her, "Go on ahead ... this won't take long."...

I worked with Jerry for almost 5 years. I have chrones disease and Jerry used to tease me all the time that I may have given him what I have. Now both of us know that is not true, when Jerry was diagnosed he came back to work and said. "The good news is I don't have chrones desease, the bad news is I have colon cancer but I am luckier than you Eva". I for the life of me could not imagine how he felt luckier than I. When I asked he said "Because Eva, I only am going to have to suffer for a...

Jerry was a wonderful friend and colleague. He will be sorely missed by those of us who knew him well. I will miss his kind words every morning, and his big heart.

Dear Donna, Tami, Shannon, and all -- it was a rare privilege to be made a part of the prayer circle that formed itself around Jerry. He, with your loving help, made death what it ought to be -- a part of living. I'm only sorry I couldn't have been more of a support to you. God bless all of you, and grant Jerry blessed repose from his labors with all the saints.