The world lost one humble, loving, and devoted husband, father,
grandfather and great grandfather Tuesday morning June 14, 2016 in Mesa,
Arizona. At the seasoned age of 97 1/2 years with family at his side
Randy peacefully passed away succumbing to cancer.
Randolph Edgar Hanson was born December 13, 1918 to Nels P. and
Petra (Saugstad) Hanson in the farmhouse they built on their
homesteaded land in Nelson Township, rural Kathryn, North Dakota. He
was baptized and confirmed in the Sheyenne Valley Lutheran Church,
rural Kathryn, and attended the Daily School.
Randy married Kathleen Deloris Mennis of rural Kathryn on October
6, 1945 and raised a family of 4 children on the farm and later in
Kathryn, ND, before retiring to Apache Junction, Arizona, where Kathy
still resides. Over the years he enjoyed his family, doting on his
wife, fixing up his property, working crossword puzzles, playing
cards, helping others, traveling, picnicing, hiking the Superstition
Mountains, and meeting friends at McDonalds for breakfast. This past
October Randy and Kathy celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary
surrounded by family and friends.
Randy was a patient, soft spoken man of few words but those in his
family learned so much from him by simply watching the way he
conducted himself and the life he lived. He was a jack-of-all-trades:
farmer, rancher, mechanic, small town mayor and an expert carpenter to
name just a few. He always did his very best often falling asleep at
night thinking something through. To his family no kinder, gentler or
more compassionate man ever lived. He truly will live on in the hearts
and minds of all his family forever.
Randy is survived by his wife Kathleen; three children: Candis
(Duane) Hoffmeyer, Steve (Susan) Hanson and Linda (Ron) Kohler; eight
grandchildren: James, Kristi, Kim, Melissa, Amanda, Danielle, Alison
and Ross; and 5 great grandchildren: Kendra, Brynley, Bryar, Avery and
Riggins; his sister Eleanor Rydholm; and nieces and nephews. Randy was
preceded in death by a son Kenneth, his parents and all remaining
siblings.
Rest now in peace Randy with all those earthly projects set aside
that busied your talented, gifted mind.
A memorial service will be held Thursday June 23, 2016 at the
Mountain View Mortuary, 7900 East Main Street, Mesa, Arizona 85207.
I LOVE you so much, Grandpa! You were the best role model – smart, motivated, witty, talented, funny, kind, caring, compassionate, and. extremely patient. You were always so good with us grandchildren. You will be missed more than you will ever know. XOXO
He sounded like a wonderful gentleman! God bless.
As I am adding Randy’s Memorial in Findagrave.com, I find myself truly wishing that I had met this wonderful gentleman. An individual that inspired a whole generation of his family and friends. Love and wishes to all of his family.