Glenda Ann Hanson

Glenda Ann (Jones) Hanson, age 62, of Lake Elmo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 11:29 pm. She finished her battle with grit, grace, and unmatched strength, and the Lord called her home, refusing to let her suffer a moment longer.

Glenda was born on December 20, 1963 in Cumberland, Wisconsin to Glen Clifford Jones Sr. and Hazel Eleanor (Clarke) Jones. Her birth mother faced significant health challenges due to Multiple Sclerosis and complications following childbirth, so when she was about a toddler Glenda was placed with a foster family, Joe and Violet Donatell. Joe and Glenda shared a deeply special bond, one she carried long after his passing when she was still young.

Glenda attended grade school in Turtle Lake, where she met Coach Marvin Hanson, her swim instructor. She feared the water, but through Coach Hanson's guidance she learned to overcome that fear. The persistence, humor, and patience he poured into her would serve her throughout her life as she faced and conquered many other fears in her own way. Neither of them knew at that time that Coach Hanson would later become her father-in-law.

She moved to Clayton in fifth grade, where she became the kind of friend people remember forever. She was loyal, tough, fun, and protective. After graduating high school, she decided it was time to see the "big city" for a few years before returning home. About a year after moving back she met Thomas Hanson in Turtle Lake. In August of 1987 they were married and began building their family. They spent several years in River Falls before purchasing a home in Amery, where they continued raising their children until later divorcing.

Throughout her life, Glenda never shied away from work. She operated a daycare for years and later managed a number of kitchens. Every child who crossed her doorway, whether through daycare, through her kitchens, or simply through her own children, became part of her extended family. She never lacked bonus kids. She made room for everyone. Family was everything to her, and it never required shared blood to count.

Glenda did not have an easy childhood and she vowed her children would have better. She taught her three children the meaning of sacrifice, resilience, strength, and work ethic. She loved sports, loved cheering for her grandchildren, and loved being part of every game, performance, and celebration she could attend. Spoiling her grandchildren became one of her greatest joys.

In June of 2020, Glenda was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease, and soon after, Heart Disease. She began the process for a kidney transplant, but things shifted dramatically in the Fall of 2024 when her heart disease became severe. By the winter of 2024, she had to discontinue home dialysis and return to center-based treatments. Over the past year her body continued to fail her in countless ways, but she refused to give up. She continued her fight for as long as she was able. Even in the midst of her battles, she lived. She went to rock concerts. She took trips to the park and zoo. She made memories during play days and sleepovers with her grandchildren. She baked during the holidays. She ate all the foods she loved. She even made it back to her beloved Lambeau. She fought for every moment she could have.

Glenda was preceded in death by her mother Hazel, her baby sibling who died at birth, her brother Gerald Dean (crib death), her father Glen Sr., her brothers Greg and Junior, her foster parents Joe and Violet Donatell, and her sisters Kathy, Darlene, and Helen.

She is survived by her children Heather (Chris) Kunkle, Derek (Theresa) Hanson, and Makiah (Matt) Schmidt. She is also survived by her brothers Gary Jones and Gene Jones, her sister Gail Torgerson, and her beloved grandchildren Leo, Ricky, Harper, Nova, and Ryder, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus children, friends, and extended family.

She will be forever missed and forever in our hearts. Until we meet again.

Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life held at the Williamson-White Funeral Home on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:00am. Though she chose cremation, a visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00pm on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The family invites any and all who knew our mother to join us in celebrating the life she battled for.

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