Carl Matthew Hanson was born on November 9, 1908 in rural Freeland Township in Lac Qui Parle County to Bastian and Sophia (Skorseth) Hanson. He was the tenth of 12 children. Carl was baptized and confirmed at Florida Lutheran Church in rural Canby. He completed eight grades of school at District 100.
On June 12, 1938, Carl and Lillian Haugen were united in marriage at the Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. This union was blessed with two daughters, Sharon and Marilyn. The family made their home on a farm south of Dawson in Maxwell Township. In addition to farming, Carl was very active in his community. He was elected as the first Chairman of the Board for the Dawson Soybean Plant, a position he held for ten years. Over the years he served on many other boards and committees including lengthy service on the Boards of Directors for the Dawson Co-op Creamery and the Lac qui Parle Mutual Insurance Company.
Carl continued farming until he was 75 years of age. He also enjoyed restoring furniture and travelling with his family. Even at age 82, Carl traveled to Norway with his daughter and granddaughter to find his father’s birthplace. He particularly enjoyed other vacations with his family in England, Florida, and Hawaii. In October, 1997, he became a resident at the Johnson Memorial Home. He enjoyed many activities there including serving on the Resident Council. Carl passed away at the nursing home on January 6, 2000.
Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian; daughter, Sharon; his parents, Bastian and Sophia Hanson; brothers, Peter, William, Lloyd, infant Rudolph, Rudolph, and LeRoy; and sisters, Clara Erickson, Belvina Shaffer, Stella, Helen Wager, and Alice Wolff. Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Ronald Stember; son-in-law James Gallagher and his wife, Sheeran; grandchildren, Sara (Gallagher) Peterson, Jason and David Gallagher; and two great-grandchildren, Rebecca and Elizabeth Peterson.
Carl was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His wisdom, humor, gentle manner, and smile will be greatly missed. His memory will be cherished.