James A. "Jim" Hanson

James Arthur Hanson
James (Jim) Arthur Hanson, 87, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024, at Mayo Clinic, St. Marys campus. Born on February 21, 1937, in Lanesboro, MN, to James Arthur Hanson Sr. and Crystella Amy Johnson, Jim grew up with a strong sense of community and family. He graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1955 and went on to marry Mary Lentz on May 7, 1960, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Cresco, Iowa.
Jim proudly served his country with two years of active duty in the Army, followed by a distinguished 35-year career in the Army Reserves, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. He retired from Rochester Public Works after 32 years of dedicated service in 1994, and also spent many years driving school buses. Jim's involvement with The American Legion Post 92, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and the 49er's reflected his commitment to service and community.
Known for his resourcefulness and "Mr. MacGyver" skills, Jim had a talent for fixing just about anything and enjoyed hobbies such as card games, camping, collecting classic model cars and flashlights, and watching westerns. His garage was his sanctuary where he spent countless hours tinkering and indulging in his collection. A proud and stubborn Norwegian, Jim's love for Minnesota sports and conservative values were matched only by his quick wit and love of Ole and Lena jokes.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife Mary, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage, and his children Patty (Daryl) Fieck, Thomas (Sharon) Hanson, and John (Patty Jo) Hanson. He will be greatly missed by his seven grandchildren: Michelle (Juan) Diaz, Samantha Berning, Isaac (Catherine Hébert) Hanson, Alex (Ryna Frankel) Hanson, Adam (Sonoma Frank) Hanson, Franklin (Marie) Durgin-Hanson, and Jesse (Kasara Little) Hanson, as well as his six great-grandchildren: Ava Berning, Stephan and Sam, Axyl and Alyias Durgin-Hanson, and Osher Hanson.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerome Hanson, brother-in-law Pat Lentz, nephew Bradley Lentz, and granddaughter Iris Durgin-Hanson.
A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester, with military honors from American Legion Post 92 and Father Nick Mezacapa officiating. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service. Jim's ashes will be laid to rest at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Legion Post 92 or the Lanesboro Historical Museum. Jim's legacy of hard work, inventive spirit, and deep family love will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.