Erling Hanson

Erling H. Hanson, 85, Jamestown, North Dakota died Tuesday, February 21, 2006 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Erling was born May 7, 1920 in Stange, Norway, the son of Hilda & Emil Hanson. They immigrated to the United States on December 1, 1923. He attended school in Blaisdell, ND. He attended UND for the National Defense Course until he enlisted in the Navy in December 1941 where he served as a Chief Motor Machinist Mate during WWII and was part of D Day on Normandy Beach. After discharge on November 18, 1945, he attended college at North Dakota State School of Science at Wahpeton with an electrical degree. He married Avis Durward on June 18, 1950 at Palermo, ND. They resided at Stanley, ND where he was employed by the Mountrail County Electric Cooperative. After being injured on the job, he attended college at Minot State University earning a degree in Social Science. The family moved to Jamestown in 1972, where he was employed by the ND Job Service as a counselor and then became Assistant Manager. Erling retired in 1988.

He received the Jamestown Community Outstanding Handicapped Citizen in 1974 and the ND Handicapped Citizen of the Year Award in 1974. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was also a member of the American Legion. Erling was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church. Erling was a 4-H leader and an avid reader of western novels, especially those Louis L'Amour.

Erling is survived by his wife, Avis of Jamestown; three daughters, Cynthia (Melvin) Lien, Jamestown, Janice (Tim) Johnson, Stanley, ND and Brenda (Duane) Thoms, Courtenay, ND; one son, Daniel (Diana) Hanson, Jamestown; 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 25, 2006 at Atonement Lutheran Church, Jamestown with Rev. Steve Berntson officiating.

Visitation: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday, February 24, 2006 at the Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown.

Prayer Service: 7:00 PM, Friday, February 24, 2006 at the Eddy Funeral Chapel.

Burial: Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown, North Dakota

On-line guestbook at www.eddyfuneralhome.com