Dorothy Pearl Hanson

Dorothy Pearl Hanson was born on March 11, 1921 in Hegbert Township, Swift County, Minnesota, to Thea Tofte.  She was baptized and confirmed at Drywood Lutheran Church, rural Appleton.  Dorothy attended country school at District 30, then attended Appleton High School, graduating in 1939.  After graduation she worked in Morris as a waitress in a restaurant.  On November 21, 1943 she was united in marriage to Allen O. Hanson.  They farmed in Hegbert Township, Swift County, for several years before moving to a farm in Artichoke Township, Big Stone County.  Finally being able to purchase the farm in 1970. Two children were born to Allen and Dorothy:  son, Randall and daughter, Patricia.

Dorothy worked several jobs while helping on the farm:  Fingerhut in Benson, Big Stone Canning Factory in Ortonville, Sol King Potato Plant in Appleton, and Joe Fox’s Catering.  She enjoyed roller-skating, feeding people, gardening, canning, baking (especially her overnight buns), quilting, reading, and dancing to old-time music.  It was very important to her that anyone who came to their house was well-fed. She was very active in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, driving other members who lived in Appleton out to church each Sunday.    Dorothy served as a council officer, church choir member, was in ladies aid, quilting group, and served many church suppers.

Allen passed away on November 8, 1983.  In 1984, Dorothy moved into Appleton.  She loved her “Coffee Clan,” helping at the clothing room and working at Don’s Food Pride handing out food samples.  Her first great-grandchild was born on her 88th birthday!  When Good Shepherd Lutheran Church closed, she joined Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton.  Dorothy entered the Appleton Area Health Service –Care Center in August of 2013 after falling and breaking her ankle at home.  She made many wonderful friends among the staff and residents and was known as “Petunia”.  She enjoyed Bingo and the special music at the Care Center.

Dorothy died September 15, 2016 in Appleton Area Health Services –Care Center.  She had reached the age of 95 years, 6 months, and 4 days.  Dorothy is survived by her children:  Randall (Andrea) Hanson of Correll and Patricia (Randall) Arnold of Appleton; four grandsons:  Jesse (Susanne) Arnold of Salem, SD and Joshua (Jill) Arnold of Appleton, Jordan Hanson of Montevideo and Joseph Hanson of Appleton; two great-grandchildren:  Shaye Arnold and Isaiah Arnold; sisters:  Ethel (Marty) Haider of Alexandria and Olive (Walter) Barth of Appleton; sister-in-law, Elaine Kessler of St. Paul; several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Allen; her mother, Thea Lehne; parents-in-law, Emil and Ella Hanson; great-grandchild, Brynn Elizabeth Arnold; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law:  Willard Thielke, Mamie and Dewey Merritt, Ora and Gilbert Brustuen, Evelyn and Art Hildebrandt, Rudy Kessler, and several nieces and nephews.

Blessed be the memory of Dorothy Pearl Hanson.