Fernanda (Fern) Hanson, 90 years old, of Warroad Minn., died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in St. Paul, Minn.
Fernanda Bernardine was born Dec. 3, 1922, in International Falls, Minn., to
Ginevra and Emideo Bernardine. She was welcomed by sisters Margaret and Angeline.
She attended school in International Falls, graduating from Falls High School.
She then worked in her families’ store until she was introduced to her future
husband, Don, through mutual friends.
Don had just returned from World War II and POW camp and they were married Aug. 6, 1947.
Don and Fern celebrated 65 wonderful years together this past August.
They began their marriage by flying to Alaska where Don was planning to start a flying service. After six months they headed back to Warroad to be closer to family. There they began their business, Hanson Flying Service, and raised a family of three children.
Fern valued her family and friends above all else.
She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church for over 65 years.
She was active in her church and in the activities of her children.
She loved to visit with her friends, play cards, can tomatoes, watch Warroad hockey, go fishing and ice fishing, speak Italian and above all, visit with her five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Fern will be greatly missed by her husband of 65 years, John Donald (Don) Hanson, Warroad; daughter, Jan Hanson, Woodbury, Minn.; sons, Jon (Cathy) Hanson, Louisville, Colo., and Michael (Sharon) Hanson, Woodbury, Minn.; grandchildren, Kristen (Bryan) Goehler, Woodbury, Minn.; Sara (Jeremy) Imhoff, Seattle, Wash.; Laine Hanson, Denver, Colo.; Garrett Hanson, Boulder, Colo.; and Gavin Hanson, Fort Collins, Colo.; great-grandchildren, Anika Goehler, Andrew Goehler, Jonah Imhoff, Isla Imhoff and Ethan Imhoff; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Warroad Senior Living Center for their loving care and support of Fern.
Fern was preceded in death by her parents, Ginevra and Emideo Bernardine and sisters, Margaret Pulilicchio and Angeline Debenedet.
A celebration of Fern’s life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Warroad, Minn.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
Memorials may be sent to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Warroad, Minn.
Helgeson Funeral Chapels are in charge of arrangements.
