Helmer Hanson

Helmer L. Hanson, age 94, died Thursday, December 12, 2013, in Elim Rehab and Care Center in Fargo, ND, with his family at his side.

Helmer was born on August 11, 1919, in Litchville, ND. He graduated from Svea Consolidated High School and Interstate Business College in Fargo. After graduation, he went to work for Ford Motor Company.

On October 13, 1940, he married the love of his life, Irma Tvedt, in Newfolden, MN. In 1940 he began working for Ford in Fargo, and soon was transferred to the corporate office in Dearborn, MI. He prepared reports and typed letters for Edsel Ford, a lot of those letters in shorthand.

After enlisting in the US Army Air Force, Helmer and Irma moved to Denver, CO, San Antonio, TX, and San Francisco, CA. Irma stayed in San Francisco when Helmer transferred to Adak Island, AK. Helmer served as a Technical SGT in the US Army Air Force from August 1942 until November 1945. In 1944 Helmer was selected from the entire US armed services as one of the 100 drivers for the delegates to set up the United Nations Charter. Helmer was the driver for Dr. Ernesto Lopez, delegate from Venezuela. Following his discharge from the military, they returned to Fargo where Helmer worked as a field manager for the Ford Motor Company.

After retirement in 1981, he volunteered for many years at the VA Hospital in Fargo, at Bethel Evangelical Free Church, and at Elim Care Center. He hunted birds and fished from Adak Island in Alaska to Norway, and in the Midwest. Helmer was the longest member of Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Fargo. His faith was his stronghold through out life.

Helmer's family always made him smile and he often had a song to sing for them or the staff at Elim Rehab and Care Center. The family would like to thank the staff of Elim Rehab and Care Center and Pioneer House for their wonderful care.

Helmer was preceded in death by Irma, his wife of 68 years; a brother, Olaf; a baby sister, Helen; and a grandson, Dylan Wesley.

He is survived by a daughter, Carolyn (Rich) Sommer, Stevens Point, WI; two sons, David (Pam) Hanson, Franktown, CO, and Daryl (Carla) Hanson, Aberdeen, SD; seven grandchildren Shawn (Lonnie) Sommer, Laura (Bill) O'Brien, Brittany (Kerry) Konda, Allison, Kristen, Erica and Kristianna Hanson; five great-grandchildren, Lia, Ian, and Ela Sommer, and Colin and Owen O'Brien; and a brother, Alvin (Grace) Hanson, Fosston, MN.

Memorials preferred to Elim Rehab and Care Center.

Visitation: One hour prior to the funeral service.

Funeral service: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013, at 1 PM in Elim Rehab and Care Center Chapel, Fargo.

Arrangements by Korsmo Funeral Service, Moorhead, MN.