Service Information
Allen “Al” Hanson, age 51, of Dassel, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2021, in Norman Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 10:00 A.M. at Dassel Rod & Gun Club.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at Dassel Rod & Gun Club.
A memorial fund has been established in Al’s name and may be directed to: Al Hanson Memorial Fund, In Care of Perennial Bank, Darwin, MN 55424
Obituary
Allen “Al” Hanson of Darwin, MN was born on December 25, 1969 and passed away on September 26, 2021 at the young age of 51.
Al started life as the only son of Leo and Sharon Hanson on New Year’s Eve 1969 in the blizzard of all blizzards. It was a sign of the life Al would lead – always on the move. From his dad he learned a love of tinkering, building and swearing. From his mom he learned about nature, working hard, being overly passionate about hockey and how to love. It was from both of them he learned to be a guy who helped everyone and developed his interest in engineering. Al attended school in Litchfield MN where he met many lifelong friends and enjoyed playing football, baseball, track, and where his love of hockey began. On his high school hockey team, he was considered the enforcer, protecting his friends and teammates. Those protective instincts followed him throughout his life.
Al moved to Grand Forks, ND in August 1988 and attended the University of North Dakota where he double majored in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management. He had several co-op assignments during his college years. Al loved being part of the Fighting Sioux family and made great memories during his college years. He graduated in May 1994. Following graduation Al returned home to Darwin and began his career in engineering which spanned the next 27 years, the last 15 at 3M in Hutchinson, MN and Brookings, SD.
During Al’s senior year at UND he met Melanie Mathiason and the connection was intense and immediate. They were married on June 10, 2000 in Dassel, MN and were blessed with two children, Zada and Gavin. Al was an incredible husband and dad and loved his family more than anything.
Al’s greatest source of pride was his family. Spending time with them at the lake, in the rink, coaching his kids in their activities, and cheering on the Vikings made him happy. Well, maybe happy to cheer on the Vikings is a stretch.
Al was a man who made a lasting impact wherever he went. He was a talented leader, loyal, compassionate and accepting of people for who they were. He was always willing to jump in and help anyone who needed it, selflessly putting others first. Al had a smile that lit up the room and a boisterous laugh that was infectious. He loved coaching and encouraging everyone he knew to be their best in life, whether it was on the ice in a hockey rink or on the floor in the factory. Imparting skills to the next generation is something he did naturally through his love of the outdoors, nature, while tinkering and hunting. Al was a man of many talents which included being a phenomenal chef and he always enjoyed hosting family and friends with lots of delicious food and usually a few fireworks. He was a project master, there wasn’t an idea that Mel had that Al couldn’t bring to life with their woodworking creations. No matter what challenge was presented, Al had a way of figuring out how to fix it.
While Al wasn’t a religious man, he lived out what Jesus commanded us to do, love your neighbor, and Al loved big. While his presence in our lives will no longer be physical, his legacy will live on in all of us as we too love like Al.
Al is survived by his wife, Melanie, children, Zada and Gavin, sisters-in-law Michelle (Chad) Simonson, Mardelle (Barry) Buechler, Stephanie (Sam) Striegel, and Jacque Mathiason, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Sharon Hanson, his sister Dixie Hanson, several, several dogs and extended family.
SUSAN LAABS says
I am so sorry for your loss, Melanie, Zada and Gavin. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Al will truly be missed by many.
Mary Weseman says
So sorry for your loss. Allen was my cousin. My Dad and Leo were brothers.
Scott Douglas Vettleson says
A wonderful loving caring man who is and will be missed.
It is an honor and a privilege to have known Allen and coaching him.
Julie Ann Nelson (Smith) says
Melanie, Zada and Gavin, I am so very sorry for your hurting hearts. Allen was a childhood friend of mine and graduated high school a year after me. We played often at one another’s homes as well at the Darwin Rod and Gun Club while our dad’s shot trap and during other gatherings there. His parents also stood up for my parents at their wedding. I hope knowing your husband and father was loved so dearly and will be held close to so many hearts will bring you comfort in the time ahead. So many prayers and so much love for you all.
Kris Farenbaugh says
Mel and family
So sorry for your loss.
Al will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Cherish the memories that you had with Al.
Kris Farenbaugh
Ashley & Tyler Buresh
Amy & Geoff Hansen & Mack
Alex Rubash says
Al was a great boss, coworker, and friend. He had a contagious laugh and a wonderful attitude. Sad to lose such a great man so early.
cecil Leitch says
Melanie and kids-I knew Al when he was in high school and playing sports. I always enjoyed talking to him and even after seeing him later. I am so sorry to hear of the accident. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know the hockey community will feel the same way. Cecil Leitch
Chris and Kiza says
Melanie, Gavin and Zada,
We are so sorry for your loss!
Al and I spent many hours playing Beno hockey together. He was a great friend and coach. Wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Charlie and Kim Schimmelpfennig says
So sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working on a project with Al when I worked at 3M in Hutch. Al always had a smile on his face and he had a positive attitude. He was a great person to have on your team. Cherish the memories.
Kim Weinzierl says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time
Deb Stein says
Cousin Al. A lot of the memories I have are things my dad would tell me. Dad was Al‘s godfather and very proud of all of his accomplishments!
I remember dad taking me up and showing me where Al and Mel were building their new house while it was still under construction.
I think we learned from Grandma Hanson the importance of family.
A great guy and great memories!
My deepest sympathies for your loss Melanie, Zada, and Gavin
J. Evans says
We all would have wished to have had the privilege to have known Allen longer here in Brookings. He made a big impression as a hardworker but more importantly, he was a very caring individual. From his plant introduction presentation, it was clear where his heart was always – with his family.
May you find peace and solace during this most difficult time.
Richie Kuttner says
Al was an awesome boss and cherished mentor to me for many years at 3M in Hutchinson. More importantly though, he was a great man and friend. He always supported me and challenged me to do my best. His laugh and smile would light up a room and everyone at work loved to be around him. He will be missed dearly. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Cory Portner says
The Portner family and the Sauk Rapids hockey community is deeply saddened. Our condolences during this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Our family was fortunate to have known Al through hockey. His passion for coaching and the game of hockey was infectious.
Kim Gabrielson Jonas says
Melanie, Zeda and Gavin:
I am so very sorry your loss. Al was a friend of mine in high school. He was so kind and caring; a friend to all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Al.
Glen Ertl says
I met Al while playing softball back in the day in Watkins. He was a nice guy and easy to talk to that got along with everyone. Sorry for your loss.
Daisy Rosado says
Melanie, Zada, Gavin (Jacque),
I am soooo sorry for your loss. I knew Al by reference and imagined him to be invincible. So finding out the news struck hard because it reminds us of how vulnerable life really is.
May you find solace in the memories made. God give you strength.
Swede Wimmer says
Mel Zada and Gavin. Sorry for your loss. Al was a good neighbor and great hunter. He will be missed.
Chuck & Mary Notbohm says
Melanie and family, we are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Stacie Lindell says
So Very Sorry for your loss . My Sympathy to your Family. ????
Dion Sussner says
Al was a wonderful teammate on some pretty good Viking Signs softball teams. As one of the young guys on the team, Al taught us all to be enjoy competition, have fun, and be the best teammates we could be. His smile and laugh will be dearly missed. We are all better people for the opportunity to get to know Al.
Sheila Quast says
Melanie ,Zada, Gavin
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, Al will truely be missed by many.
Dave and Sheila Quast
Wanda Willner says
So sorry for your loss. Al will be missed. I was a foster child raised by his grandparents. His dad was my foster brother.
Karen Kathleen Wimmer says
Melanie, Zada, and Gavin,
I remember how excited both Sharon and Leo were the day they brought Allen home. He truly was a most wanted baby boy.
Sharon and Leo stood up for Gail and I when we were married and we shared many special day’s together. I know he was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. May he R.I.P.
God Bless all of you,
Karen Wimmer
Mark Vatnsdal says
I had the pleasure of coaching Al during my time in Litchfield. I always appreciated his strong work ethic and passion he brought to the ice each and every day. So sorry for your loss.
Darlene Wimmer says
Melanie my heart breaks for you and all your family.
My love
Darlene Wimmer
Sheldon L. Wallmow says
Melanie, So very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed talking to Al whenever I ran into him. Just seen him at the Beno golf tournament.
My sincere condolences.
Sheldon Wallmow
Janet True says
My deepest Sympathy to the family. Janet,Hanson,True
Cheryl Herrig & Curt Ness, 1304 12th St S, Brookings, SD says
We are so sorry to learn of the recent death of our backyard neighbor, Allen Hanson, here in Brookings, SD. We’ve had a few conversations with Allen during the summer, as he would sometimes be outside in the evenings with his dog, Maggie. He enjoyed telling us about his remodeling plans inside the house, and we loved getting to know Maggie too. We were travelling all last week and just learned about the accident from a neighbor.
Allen was a guy who loved life. He had an easygoing manner and a big laugh. He was always happy to talk about his family and work, but we usually talked about our dogs and their personalities. Recently, he had shared about the death of his mother and upcoming elk hunting plans with his son. We extend our deepest sympathies to Allen’s family and friends.
– Cheryl & Curt