Ernest C. Hanson

August 2, 1926 – February 26, 2022

Ernest Clarence Hanson, 95, Northwood, passed away Friday, Feb. 26, 2022. A funeral service will be held Friday, March 4, at 11 a.m., Schroeder Funeral Homes, Northwood. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 3, from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Peace and Power (1st Lutheran Albert Lea), Eagles Cancer Telethon, The Pines Assisted Living, or the charity of your choice.
Ernest was born Aug. 2, 1926, in Albert Lea, Minn., to Emil and Clara (Kvale) Hanson and grew up on the family farm in Brookfield Township in Worth County with siblings, Elmer and Grace.
After graduating from Northwood High School in 1943, Ernie was inducted into the Army Dec. 7, 1944, and served in the Philippines and Japan as a cook and mess sergeant, until honorably discharged Nov. 15. 1946.
Ernie began renting and farming the family land. He met his future wife, Erma Dieterich, Toeterville, while dancing at the Terp Ballroom in Austin, Minn., in May 1947. They were married March 27, 1949, and raised three children: Bev, Lonna and Ron. The farm was bought from Ernie’s father in 1954 and feedlots and raising cattle began in 1956. He enjoyed buying cattle year-round at sales in Waukon, Decorah and South St. Paul.
His Army experience helped make early beef producer banquets a success as he cooked and organized meals and was the original treasurer. Ernie amd Erma were inducted into the Worth County Cattlemen’s Hall of Fame in 2008.
He was a township trustee, served on local election boards, 12 years on Northwood Elevator board (president and vice president) and also a member of Bristol and then Sion Lutheran church and sang with the choir for many years. Ernie was a Brookfield Township 4-H leaderand  during the Worth County Fair, his roles would include working with county extension, weighmaster, and ear tagger for youth cattle projects.
He enjoyed talking with people; pancakes, Norwegian foods, Culver’s fish sandwich, and casino buffet; dancing to waltzs and polkas with Mom, and watching Mollie B Polka Party (and meeting Mollie in 2018); the playing card game 3-13 with family and two different games of solitaire every night; and reading local newspapers and farm magazines. Ernie had a great memory of family, friends and neighbors’ stories and was very proud of the Hanson Heritage Farm Award (150 yrs) in 2017.
The past three years he called The Pines Assisted Living “Home” and greatly appreciated the wonderful care and friendships of staff and residents.
Survivors include Bev (Roger) Dant, Forest City; Lonna Wantland, Chariton; Ron (Cindy) Hanson, Raleigh, N.C.; grandchildren: Dan (Jessica) Dant, Luke (Melissa) Dant, Molli (Jason) Noel, Ben Wantland, Ryan (Kaitlin) Hanson; great-grandchildren: Mariah and Elena Dant; Finn, Ike, Adeline, Nels, Noah Dant; Kaid, Levi, Jude Noel and overdue baby boy Hanson; along with nieces, nephew, other relatives and friends.
Ernie was proceeded in death by his wife, Erma (2010); parents, Emil and Clara; brother, Elmer (Julia); sister, Grace (Palmer) Heltne; Erma’s parents, Ervin and Ella Dieterich; nephews: Jerry Hanson, and Everett (Kathy) Hanson; and son-in-law, Larry Wantland.

Lake Mills Graphic

204 N. Mill Street
Lake Mills, IA 50450

Office Number: (641) 592-4222
Fax Number: (641) 592-6397

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

Manage my subscriptions

Subscribe to Breaking News feed
Comment Here