Burnell "Bernie" Hanson

Burnell "Bernie" D. Hanson, 87, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at New Perspectives Senior Living in Woodbury, Minnesota.

Born on April 18, 1937, in Vermillion, South Dakota, to Edna (Jonnes) and Floyd Hanson, Bernie grew up on the family farm, developing a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors. He went on to earn an engineering degree from South Dakota State University in Brookings and proudly served in the Army National Guard.

Bernie's engineering career spanned several decades and took him to cities including Pierre, South Dakota; Seattle, Washington; and St. Paul, Minnesota. He and his first wife, Doris, settled in Cottage Grove, where they shared 54 years of loving marriage. Together, they built a cherished family, including their son Shannon, his wife Christi, and their beloved granddaughters Faith and Arin.

Bernie was a man of many passions. A lifelong learner, he was an avid Civil War history enthusiast who spent countless hours immersed in books. His love for technology and communication fueled his interest in Ham radio, where he spent decades tinkering with equipment and staying connected with others. Always curious, he kept up with the latest gadgets, iPhones, and computers. Bernie also enjoyed the outdoors, remaining an active member of a hiking club until his early 80s.

In his later years, Bernie continued his faith, finding comfort in his involvement with his church. His love of religion brought him together with his second wife, Jane, with whom he shared companionship, laughter, and meaningful conversations about religious philosophy and politics. Together, they established a bonus family and created many cherished memories, including road trips, festivals, card games, graduations, holidays, and winter getaways to St. Pete’s Beach, Florida.

Bernie’s generous spirit extended to his support of numerous charitable causes, especially those dedicated to nature and conservation, such as the Sierra Club and the National Parks Conservation Association.

We will remember him for his kind heart, sharp intellect, and quirky sense of humor. Bernie was a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and a gentle soul who brought joy to those around him.

Bernie is survived by his wife Jane; son, Shannon Hanson (Christi); granddaughters, Faith and Arin; as well as his bonus family, stepdaughter, Andrea Kranz; granddaughters, Isabella (Wyatt), and Charlotte (Tom); and stepson, Daniel Hausman; sister-in-law, Eunice Montgomery; niece, Kris Hanson; and nephews, Dan Hanson and Robert Hanson (Trina). He was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris Hanson; his parents, Edna and Floyd Hanson; and his brother, Russell Hanson.

A memorial service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Christ Episcopal Church (7305 Afton Road, Woodbury, MN), with visitation beginning at 9 AM. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings, MN, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to charities supporting conservation or the outdoors in Bernie’s memory.

To watch the service via livestream, visit the Christ Episcopal Church Facebook page.