Mildred Hanson was born October 12, 1918, in Swenoda Township, Swift County, Minnesota, the daughter of Andrew and Belle (Johnson) Thompson. She was baptized by the pastor at the family farm home due to the 1918 influenza epidemic. At age two years, she moved with her family to Story City, Iowa. Three years later, they returned to the Thompson farm in Swift County. Mildred attended West Bank Lutheran Church and was confirmed by Rev. C.T. Jensen. She attended school through the eighth grade at Swift County District #34 in Swenoda Township. On September 25, 1937, Mildred was married to Harry K. Hanson at the Big Bend parsonage by Rev. C.T. Jensen. Their marriage was blessed with five children. They farmed in Swenoda Township until 1962. Mildred served as a 4-H leader and was a member of the Homemaker's Club and taught Sunday School. After moving to Benson, Mildred worked at Sandy's Café, Rangaard's Café, Fingerhut, and as bailiff at the Swift County Courthouse. She loved music and shared this gift as an organist at West Bank Lutheran for a number of years. She was an avid reader. She also loved flowers and was a member of the Benson Garden Club. Her involvement in church activities included attending WELCA meetings and Bible Study, and assisting with newsletter mailings. Her involvement in the Sons of Norway enabled her to keep a close connection to her Norwegian ancestry. She maintained a close relationship with her many family members, relatives and friends by means of cards and handwritten letters. Mildred was called from this life at the Golden Living Center/Meadowlane on Sunday, July 12, 2009, at the age of 90 years, 7 months. Preceding her in death were her husband Harry on April 12, 1989; her parents, Andrew and Belle Thompson; a sister Erma Fragodt; and infant brother, Leo. Mildred is remembered fondly by family members including: four sons, Lowell (Georgia) Hanson of Montevideo; Ronald (Connie) Hanson of Willmar; Michael (Muriel) Hanson of Richfield; and Kenneth (Karen Mumm) Hanson of Benson; one daughter, Kathryn (Dean) Voorhees of Oskaloosa, Iowa; twelve grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; one sister-in-law; Borgel Hanson of New London; two nephews; special friend, Janel Hanson; plus many other relatives and friends.Blessed be the memory of Mildred Hanson.
