On June 27, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, Donald Vernon Hanson peacefully passed from this world to his heavenly home to live eternally with Jesus. He was 90 years young.
Donald was born on March 7, 1936 to Thomas and Mable (Davidson) Hanson in rural Tioga, North Dakota. He grew up in a farm family and graduated from Ray (ND) High School. In the summer of 1958, he met the love of his life, Evelyn Wagner and by the end of the year, December 19, they were married. They raised their family in Ray but in their retirement years, made the difficult choice to leave their community to move closer to family in Rochester, MN in 2008.
In 1959, Donald began serving his country in the army which took him to Fort Ord, CA and then to Fort Benning, GA. As member of the Honor Guard, he was chosen to provide the ramp escort for President Eisenhower when he visited the post. A year later, he was deployed to Korea for a year, missing the birth of his first child. When he returned, he and Evelyn were stationed at Fort Carson, CO.
After his service was complete, Don and Evelyn moved back to Ray. Don began working at Amerada Hess Company, first in the field as a roustabout and switcher and later as a mechanic in the Tioga shop. He helped his parent’s farm, until they both passed away, at which time he took over the farm. Eventually, working at Amerada full time, farming, and raising a family became too much so he chose to become a full-time farmer. He served in multiple positions in the community, but his favorite was as a volunteer EMT for over 20 years. He was always quick to answer the call to help his fellow neighbors.
Evelyn was the light of Donald’s life. The unconditional love and loyalty that they lived out for 67 years was an inspiration to family and friends. As a dad, Don was devoted to his kids. He was always in the stands at games and concerts and encouraged them in their endeavors. Time spent helping on the farm built a strong work ethic in the kids but there was also time for fun camping at Lake Sacagawea and the annual trip to Louisiana to spend time with Evelyn’s side of the family.
Above all, Don loved and served Jesus. In church, he served in many roles including but not limited to: deacon, pulpit-filler, choir member, Sunday School teacher, painter of many walls, and changer of countless light bulbs. From their earliest memories, he taught his children about Jesus. He became a Gideon because he knew the importance of having a copy of God’s Word. He was passionate about his prison work through Kogudus. For over 20 years, he marveled at how God provided teams of volunteers willing to go into the North Dakota State Penitentiary, bringing hope and the Gospel to the individuals living there. He often wrote letters to loved ones, encouraging them to walk with Jesus. His favorite item to wear was a baseball cap embroidered with “CIA” in big letters, followed by “Christians In Action” in smaller letters, as it prompted conversations and an opportunity to share his faith.
Donald is survived by his wife, Evelyn; daughter Carla Rogers, of Gilbert AZ; daughter Gina (Joel) Unverzagt, of Rochester, MN; and son Brent (Kristi) Hanson of Williston, ND. In addition, he was blessed with several grandchildren that survive him: James (Corryn) Rogers, Damaris (Ian Hipps) Rogers, Mackenzie Hanson, Grace Unverzagt, Jonah (Jamie) Hanson, and Brett (Serena) Unverzagt. Additional blessings came along with great-grandchildren: Bethany Rogers; Ellie, Jude, and Jordyn Rogers; Everett and Avery Unverzagt; and Gunnar Hanson; sisters-in-law Polly Nell and Sonja Welborn; brother-in-law Bill (Charlene) Wagner; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mable Hanson; his in-laws, Odis and Brownie Wagner; his sisters and their husbands, Verniece (Wallace) Weyrauch and Patty (Gene) Hepper; brother-in-law Randy Welborn; granddaughters Summer Rogers and Cara Unverzagt; great-grandson Lincoln Hipps; nephews Arthur Weyrauch and Thomas Hepper, and niece Rita Kaye O’Neil.
While Don’s final year was marked by the effects of frontal-temporal dementia, he was lovingly cared for at home by Evelyn, with help from the incredible caregivers from Home Instead and Mayo Hospice. Donald fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith, and now he has heard the words of his Savior, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
The Celebration of Life for Donald will be held at 11:00am on Friday, July 3, 2026, at True Life Church in Rochester, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to The Gideons International.
Rochester Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences of Don may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
