Jeffery L. Hanson

Jeffery Leon Hanson, 81, formerly of Thief River Falls, currently living in Fargo, ND, died on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Bethany Homes, Fargo, ND.

Memorial service will be on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 11 AM at Johnson Funeral Services, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be one hour before the service.

Private burial service will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

On June 20, 1942, Jeff was born to Leon and Florence (Murray) Hanson in Warroad, MN. He attended Virgina Junior College for two years, rooming with his lifetime friend Jerry Mollberg. He later completed his Bachelor of Science Degree at Bemidji State University. After receiving a draft notice, Jeff enlisted in the US Navy and served as a cook for four years on the Destroyer USS Damato and in Vietnam. He taught high school industrial arts for two years, then changed his career path, becoming a US Customs Inspector on the northern border. He started with Customs in Pembina, ND and retired from Roseau, MN, after 32 years of service.

On April 29, 1972, Jeff was united in marriage to Carol Lindquist-Paulseth in Baudette, MN. Eventually, they made their home in Roseau, where they raised their family and became active in the Evangelical Covenant Church and community. They later built their retirement home in Baudette, MN, to be available to care for their parents. Eventually migrating south to Thief River Falls, they spent summers enjoying their children, grandkids and winters in Arizona with many close friends.  Jeff spent his spare time with his son-in-law, Shon Beito, working at BNJ Plumbing and Heating, where a lot of great memories were made.

Jeff loved music, poetry, and woodworking. He loved telling stories and dad jokes, playing card games, reading, and making new friends wherever he went. Jeff has left us all with so many memories to treasure.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol, Fargo, ND; children, Stacy (Mary) Paulseth, Alexandria, MN, Kristal (Shon) Beito, Thief River Falls, MN,  Amber Hawkins, Thief River Falls, MN, Gerald (Rachelle) Hanson, Moorhead, MN; grandchildren, Abbigail Johnson, Nicolas Beito, Jacob Beito, Brooklyn Joppru, Noah Hawkins Olivia Hawkins and Baby Girl Hanson arriving in August; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Doug (Cheryl) Hanson, Denver, CO; cousin, Janice (Dick) Furcht; nephews and nieces; life-long best friend, Jerry and Bev Mollberg.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Jeffery Brian, his parents, Leon and Florence Hanson, and his brother, Gerald Hanson.