Vicki Joyce Hanson

Vicki Joyce Hanson

1953 - 2025

Vicki Joyce Hanson, age 71, of Hinckley, MN, passed away on Saturday, September 20, with her family by her side.

Vicki was born on October 11, 1953, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Ernestine and Wendell Hanson. She was the third of five children and grew up along the banks of the Mississippi River. She graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1972.

Vicki went on to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth with her two older brothers and earned a degree in English and Speech in 1978. She went on to work as a collections and credit manager for various companies in the Twin Cities during her career. After college, Vicki and her former husband, John Brower, moved to New York City, enriching their lives with art, music, and all the things the city had to offer. She and John remained friends until his passing in 2007.

Vicki treasured time with her family-spending many years close to her parents until their passings, gathering for holidays at her brothers' homes, sitting beside her sister through chemotherapy sessions, and sharing delicious meals. Despite significant health and physical challenges early in life, she was tenacious. She completed Grandma's Marathon in 1991 and spent three decades caring for her 45-acre homestead in Hinckley.

In retirement, she nurtured her curiosity and creativity through rock and antique collecting, driftwood art, thrifting, and observing wildlife. Vicki was a self-described tree hugger who deeply appreciated life's privileges and embraced every opportunity to live fully. In each stone, piece of driftwood, and wild bloom, may we be reminded: she was here, she loved this earth, and to this earth she now returns.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents, Ernestine and Wendell Hanson. A lifelong pet parent, she was also preceded by her beloved feline companions Alyx, Ariel, BC, Beko, Freya, Gabriel, Hans, Miss Kitty, Neko, Noir, Onin, Varese, and Zoomer.

She is survived by her sister, Karen (Rob) Smith; brothers Brian (Corrie), Kenneth (Kathy), and Steve (Sue); nieces and nephews Miriam (Dave), Adam (Teresa), Jeff (Mallorie), Kevin, Miranda (Jon), Alexander, and Samantha; great-niece Piper; and great-nephews, Haakon, Magnus, Sterling, and Bryton. Vicki also leaves behind her cherished cats, I'lsa and Zappa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

Vicki's family invites all who knew and loved her to join us in remembering, sharing stories, and celebrating together on Saturday October 11 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at CoHaus, 423 NE 6th Ave in Grand Rapids, MN 55744. Guests are encouraged to wear purple, her favorite color.