Obituary for
Merrill "Merle" Hanson
Merrill Chester Hanson, the son of Chester and Julia (Mosloski) Hanson, was born May 21, 1933, in Dunnell, Minnesota. He passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 85.
He received his education in the Sherburn, Minnesota schools, graduating from Sherburn High School. After completing high school, Merrill served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge he returned to the area.
On November 19, 1955, he was united in marriage to Cleora Heinrichs in Estherville. The couple made their home in Estherville where they raised their family. Merrill began working at Firestone Tire in Estherville, where he later became manager. He worked at Firestone for 42 years. In his leisure time he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Cleora died May 16, 2016.
He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Estherville and was active in the Knight's of Columbus. Merrill was also a member of American Legion Post 91 of Estherville.
Left to cherish Merrill's memory are his children, Steven (Juliet) Hanson of Warrensburg, Missouri; Laurie (Joel) Stevens of Swea City, Iowa, and their children, Christopher (Tifani) Stevens, Travis (Cortney) Stevens, Tyler Stevens and Katie Stevens; Gayle (Rick) Johnson of Spencer, Iowa and their children, Amber (Aaron Peck) Johnson, Emily (Brent) Impecoven and Adam Johnson; son-in-law, Brad Dykes of Yankton, South Dakota, and he and Sheryl's children, Erin (Tanner) Smith and Evan Dykes; great-grandchildren, Libby, Dylan, Wiley, Donnie, Emmie, and Baby Impecoven; sister, Mary Lou Besaw of Rifle, Colorado and also many nieces and nephews.
Merrill was preceded in death by his wife; daughter, Sheryl Dykes; his parents and brothers, Wayne, Laverne and Richard.