On December 15, 1923 Harris D Hanson was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Della and Henry Hanson. He was raised in Wahalla, North Dakota. Life was good for him until Black Tuesday.
On Black Tuesday the stock market crashed and his grandfather had a stroke and died. The very next day, his father died. The family businesses, the general store, gas station and Bank had runs on them and then people stopped repaying their credit. Bankruptcy followed.
This loss of family and income shaped his life deeply. With no income and no close male role models in his life, mischievousness got the best of him. He was invited to attend St. John’s Prep in Collegeville, MN on scholarship and then stayed for his college degree at St. Johns University in Collegeville. Harris, or Hans as he was called by his friends, excelled and enjoyed his stay at St. John’s and always felt a deep sense of gratitude toward his Alma Mater.
In 1943 he enlisted in the US Navy Air Corps and trained as an Aviation Cadet. As a result, flying became one of his lifelong passions. Luckily timing was on his side and WWII ended just before he was called up.
Hans decided to go to medical school after WWII. He started his medical education at the University of North Dakota and finished at Loyola University Medical School in Chicago. While finishing up his internship at Milwaukee County Hospital he met the love of his life over a spinal tap. The lovely nurse, Mary Elizabeth Purtell R.N. caught his eye and he pursued her intently. They married soon after that tap!
The first of 9 children was born a year later, Jeannye (Michael) and 8 more followed in fairly quick succession. Dan(Sue), John, Jule(Dean), William, Suzanne(Max), Mary Cal(Rick), Pete(Maria) and finally Kate (Al).
Hans’ career took him and his family many places but in 1965 the family settled in Helena. Dr. Hanson served the Helena and surrounding communities for 40 plus years as an orthopedic surgeon and on various positions on the boards at St. Peters Hospital and Valley Bank.
Dr. Hanson valued family, work and community and he served them all well. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mayrellen Dahlke and his son Dan. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Mary, eight of his children, eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Hans is a shining example of a life well lived. The Helena community has played a huge role in that well lived life and his family is grateful for all of the love and support. The Hanson family would like to extend a special thanks to Country Life Assisted Living, Renaissance Senior Care and Rocky Mountain Hospice for the compassionate care they provided.
A vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 7th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. A reception will follow the Mass at the Radisson Colonial Hotel. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be directed to St Peter’s Hospital Foundation, Rocky Mountain Hospice or a charity of choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Hans.
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 pm
Thursday April 7, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 n. Montana Ave.
Helena , Mt 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 pm
Friday April 8, 2016
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St
Helena , MT 59601
Reception
Following Mass
Friday April 8, 2016
Radisson Colonial Hotel
2301 Colonial Dr.
Helena , MT 59601
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 pm
Thursday April 7, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 n. Montana Ave.
Helena , Mt 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 pm
Friday April 8, 2016
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St
Helena , MT 59601
Reception
Following Mass
Friday April 8, 2016
Radisson Colonial Hotel
2301 Colonial Dr.
Helena , MT 59601
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DEBBIE MURGEL SCHRAMM says
I am so sorry for your loss. I was so glad I was able to meet him and enjoy his company and take help take care of him. I always loved the smile. He was a good person and he will always be in your hearts and thoughts. He will be looking down upon you and smiling. He had a good life and family. Just remember the good times you had with him and treasure them forever. My prays and thoughts are with you at a time like this. Keep your chins up and take care of each other. Love Debbie
Wanda Arlint says
I am so sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in knowing that I care. I first met Dr. Hanson in 1986 and we crossed paths on several occasions. He was such a sweet man.
He will be greatly missed. Wanda
Catherine Russell says
So sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers
Theresa & Mike King says
Our heartfelt sympathy to your family. Hans was such a kind man. He had a great sense of humor and a heart that would light up a room. I loved working for him and with him. He will be missed by those who knew him, especially all of you, his beautiful family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sherri Staats says
Dr. Hanson and Family.
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved father. He was truly a wonderful man. I enjoyed sharing mass with him and your wonderful mother at Touchmark with Father Stu. I am sure the both of them are up their in heaven now doing great works for many people. May all the love and wonderful memories of your beloved dad and grandfather give you comfort. May the peace and love of our Blessed Mother be with you at this time.
jeff and melissa sherlock says
I remember swimming along at the Broadwater and noticing someone in the next lane walking the length of the pool on his hands; this was quite unusual and I had to investigate; of course, it was Dr. Hanson; most remarkable he was hardly fatigued by his effort; Melissa remembers him as one of the best Doctors: very competent and always with a twinkle in his eye and a kind word for all; we will miss him
Erica Smith says
I am very sorry for your loss. He was my surgeon when I was a baby and as I grew up, I always looked forward to my visits with him. He was a very kind and caring man and very easy to love. He helped me tremendously and I have always been grateful for him.
Buzz Helfert says
Doc was a good friend, I always enjoyed our visits when I worked on his tractor. Several years ago, my father-in-law passed away and the funeral was in Plentywood-too far away to drive and attend. Doc contacted our mutual friend, sheriff Leo Dutton, and offered the use of his Mooney airplane to fly me, my daughter, and brother-in-law to Plentywood to attend the service.What a generous man!Godspeed my friend,rest in peace.
Bill Bentley says
To the entire family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Hanson. He was a true gentleman and a class act. I spent my high school years growing up on ranch just over the hill from the Hanson household. I have many fond memories of those years spending time with the Hanson family. Please take care.
Doug and Joyce Bruursema says
Jule’ and Dean – We are so sorry for the loss of your Dad. We are thinking of your whole family at this time
Chris & Jenny Dargan says
Our hearts are with you all Hanson family. We are grieving with you, Doc was always so kind and caring. Heaven has gained a special man and he will always be with you. Cherish all of the wonderful memories. Of course if there is Anything we can do please just call and ask. Love and hugs to all.
Mary Runkel says
Doctor Hanson was a competent kind physician who listened carefully to his patients and the Nursing staff, May all of your memories comfort you. My condolences upon his passing.
Ed Krumbiegel says
My Condolences for the loss of your Dad.
Farewell, Godspeed Hans.
Marilyn Buck says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Dr. Hanson had helped me since I was 4 off and on till my teens. He was a very good and kind man
Shaun Donovan says
I met Dr. Hanson when he did my first knee surgery in about 1967. He took the cartilage from my other knee about 2 years later and all went well with college intramural sports etc until I got my Selective Service induction notice in about 1970. My number was 36 and at my pre-induction physical the Army doctor noticed my surgical scars and told me he wanted a letter from my orthopedic surgeon. At Christmas break I went to see Dr. Hanson and told him I was doing fine, playing sports etc with minimal knee pain. His question to me was, “Well, Shaun, do you really want to go to Vietnam?” For all kinds of reasons the answer was no but I told him I was prepared to do what was necessary. A few weeks later I got a notice from Selective Service saying I was classified as 4F and attaching a copy of Dr. Hanson’s letter saying that any physical exertion caused me significant knee pain and in his opinion I was a poor candidate for the rigors of military training, much less combat. As it turned out his prognosis was exactly correct, if a few years premature. Many times it has occurred to me that his letter may have saved my life.
Glen J Cuchine says
I worked with Dr. Hanson as he addressed orthopedic concerns for many residents of Boulder River School and Hospital (later MDC). The brief, but hair-raising, rides on my motorcycle from his plane to the center will remain a highlight. Dr. Hanson was always a consummate professional and had a wonderful common touch. The staff and residents loved him. Thank you, Dr. Hanson and may your family be comforted by the many memories.
Don (Hirst) Siewert says
My thoughts ands prayers go out to the entire Hanson family for the loss of your father/husband, he was a good, and kind man.I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to know him and his family. Great memories good times. God Bless you all.
John and Betty Brewer says
I am so sorry for Dr Hansons passing. He was a very sweet and wonderful man. I had the pleasure of working with him when I worked at Valley Bank and he attended board meetings. He was so nice and always took his position on the board very seriously. God send you all healing and peace and rest assured he is smiling down on you always and will always be with you
Tim McKeever says
I was sorry to hear of Dr Hanson’s passing. He was a very nice and down to earth man. He treated both of my parents at one time or another. I have many fond memories of times spent with Dan, Jean, and John over the years. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Kelly Schroeder Rhimer & Kim Schroeder Wyndance says
To The Hanson Family,
I apologize for not getting this in sooner.
I I have nothing but the greatest respect and admiration for the doctor and mrs. Hanson I’m sorry for the kids that they have lost their parents but I am thankful that I got to know the Hansons and grew up next door to them on Stewart Street
Michael Doubek, M.D. says
Dear Hanson family,
Dr. Harris Hanson will always occupy a very high place in my memory. I met him initially when he was duck hunting on our family ranch. He treated everyone with sincere respect, even myself (a 5th-grader). It was easy to tell he was a proud father, a great doctor and one of the best men I’ve ever known. He’ll be deeply missed by numerous people, but NEVER forgotten. Now, heaven’s a better place.