Jay Duffus Hanson

1937 - 2017

Jay Duffus Hanson

Minneapolis - Jay Duffus Hanson of Minneapolis died peacefully on November 3, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born in St. James, Minnesota to Lloyd Willard and Margaret Duffus Hanson on September 28, 1937. He had one brother, Todd Hanson of Alexandria, Virginia, who survives him.

He graduated from Pipestone High School in Minnesota in 1955, where he met his future wife, Madge Nathe. He attended the University of Minnesota graduating with a major in Philosophy, and a minor in Fine Art. He went on to receive a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary.

He began his ministry in 1962 at St. David's Episcopal Church in Minnetonka, Minnesota. In 1964 he became Chaplain at the University of North Dakota. Throughout his adult life he remained involved in the Episcopal Church, serving many church communities. Most recently he served as Interim Priest at Church of the Messiah in Rhinebeck, New York from 2009-2010.

He was passionately involved in issues affecting the communities his family was a part of, including school desegregation in Minneapolis on the 1970's. Through his community and ministerial engagement, he leaves a legacy of fierce passion for social justice and equality.

His extended family is grateful for the many examples he set for living a life of purpose and meaning. His interests in his family, the wilderness, the arts, education, spirituality and service to others continue to live in each of us.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Madge Nathe Hanson, as well as four sons, their wives and nine grandchildren: Jeremy & Mary Hanson (Graham, Ana, Maddy) of Richfield, Minnesota; Graham & Posie Hanson (Maggie, Amy) of Rhinebeck, New York; Stephen & Tara Hanson (Ella) of New York, New York; and Greg & Lisa Hanson (Kate, Charlie, Sarah) of San Jose, California.

A memorial service of evening prayer will be held at St Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis at 6:00pm on Friday, November 10, 2017. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial gifts be made to either the Hale-Field Foundation (www.halefield.org) or St. Marks Episcopal Cathedral (www.ourcathedral.com).