Fred Charles Hanson, Jr.

Fred Charles Hanson Jr. – born February 11, 1938, died February 1, 2025, age 86.

Memorial is 11:00am Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Scandian Grove Lutheran Church, Norseland, with visitation beginning at 9:30am. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Memorials may be directed towards Scandian Grove Lutheran Church memorial fund or the Nicollet County Fair. To leave a condolence for the family, visit www.saintpeterfuneralhome.com.

Fred Charles Hanson Jr. was born February 11, 1938 to Fred Sr and Genevieve (Webster) Hanson. He was born in St. Peter at the doctor’s office which is now Patrick’s on 3rd. Fred was raised on the family farm near the small community of Norseland.

Fred attended a one room schoolhouse until 8th grade. He went to high school in St. Peter where he graduated in 1956. He went on to college at Gustavus Adolphus College where he got a bachelor’s in business in 1960. As Fred was finishing college his father, Fred Sr, had a farm accident and was unable to farm. Fred Jr. came back to help on the farm and never left. 

Fred first met the love of his life, Judy Miner, while playing 4-H softball. In 1962 at the Kato Ballroom they reconnected and started dating. By the spring of 1963 Fred knew she was the one. They were united in marriage on September 14, 1963 at Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Peter. They resided in a few locations in the Norseland area and eventually settled on the family farm. They continued to farm and raise a family. They were blessed with 4 children and shared almost 50 years of marriage until Judy passed in 2013. 

Fred spent the rest of his life farming, finally retiring in 2023 at the age of 85. He raised pigs and cattle. He grew corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. 

He was a lifelong supporter of St. Peter and Gustavus activities. He went to many sporting events even after his children were out of school. Fred enjoyed attending Gustavus alumni events that kept him connected to the campus. 

Fred was also lifelong member of Scandian Grove Lutheran church where he was baptized and confirmed. He served on the church council and was an active member of the churchmen group. 4-H was a huge part of Fred’s life. He participated in showing cattle growing up. In 1956 he won the grand champion overall dairy animal at the MN State Fair. As an adult he helped his kids, as members of the Norseland club, with all kinds of projects over the years. Fred was a long-time volunteer at the county fair for the hog show. He was also a member of the Tri-County Fair Board for many years. Fred was a member of the Nicollet County Pork Producers, Nicollet County Farm Bureau, and Nicollet County Historical Society. 

Fred loved his sports. He played softball on church leagues and with his kids. He bowled in a men’s league for many years. He loved following all of the MN sports teams. He had fun nicknames for them: the Twinkies, the T-Puppies, and the Viks. Win or lose he was always a fan!

Fred is survived by his children: sons Chris (Jill) Hanson, Olivia, MN and Jay Hanson, Norseland; daughters Lena (Tate) Burckhardt, Lake Benton, MN and Grace Hanson (Mike Mechtenberg) of St. Paul, MN. Grandchildren Jack (Madie) Hanson, Olivia Hanson, Will Hanson, Hans Burckhardt, Janna Burckhardt, Selby Mechtenberg, and Hewitt Mechtenberg. He is preceded in death by his wife Judy Hanson, parents Fred Sr. & Genevieve Hanson.