Byron Hanson

Byron Hanson, age 72, of Owatonna, MN died February 13, 2018, at the Owatonna Hospital surrounded by family. Funeral service is set for 1:30PM Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home. Friends may greet the family from 11:30AM to 1:00PM prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. Interment will take place at a later date. Byron was born on April 17, 1945, in Blooming Prairie, MN to parents Carl and Anna (Arett) Hanson, and grew up on a farm in Deerfield, outside of Medford, MN. He graduated from Medford High School in 1963, and married Janet (Mohs). After high school he was in sales with the Singer Sewing Co., and in 1964 he began working for the Minnesota Highway Department. He and Janet started a Shaklee distributorship in 1969, during which time the family lived in Rogers, AR for several years. In 1982, Byron returned to Minnesota where he managed the B&J Sewing Center. His passion for business led he and Janet to open and operate their own business, A-Plus Sew & Vac in 1990. He and Janet helped found El Shaddai Christian School in Owatonna. Later in life, Byron attended Logos University, studied Theology and graduated with a master's degree in Pastoral Studies. In 2001, he retired due to health reasons. He enjoyed travelling, and he and Janet took many wonderful trips in the U.S. and abroad. He spent many summers fishing and fall seasons hunting with family and friends. Byron is survived by his best friend of 55 years, Janet; children, Vern (Lisa) Hanson, Hayward, MN, Annette (Mike) Schneckloth, Mantorville, MN, Priscilla (Craig) Koeckeritz, Mendota Heights, MN, Matthew (Brigett) Hanson, Eagan, MN, 19 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Raymond Hanson, Albert Lea, sisters, Mavis Parrish, Albert Lea, Catherine Yule, Owatonna, and Iris (Joseph) Donkers, Owatonna. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Gordon; 3 brothers-in-law, Eugene Parrish, Wayne Yule, Jerry Jirele, and sister-in-law, Vivian Hanson. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Mary's Catholic School.