Gary Hanson

Gary Hanson, age 70, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Sunday, January 29^th, at Cornerstone Assisted Living in Fosston. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 10^th, at Kingo Lutheran Church in Fosston with the Rev. John Ragan officiating. Interment will be in Bethel Cemetery, rural Winger, MN. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Gary Mark Hanson was born February 11, 1952, to Roger and Joyce (Mandt) Hanson in Fosston, MN.  Joyce passed away and Roger married Jerona Agnes.  Gary passed away Sunday, January 29, 2023, at Cornerstone Assisted Living in Fosston.  A service to celebrate Gary’s life will be held in the spring and he will be buried at Bethel Cemetery in rural Winger, MN.

He lived his whole life in Fosston, was confirmed at Kingo Lutheran Church, and graduated from Fosston High School in the class of 1970.  Gary married Karlyn Bjornerud October 1974.  They had 2 sons, Chad and Adam.  Karlyn Sistad passed away January 2013.  January 29, 2006, Gary married Terrie Johnson, who passed away August 2020.

Gary & Terrie moved onto his childhood farm located just outside of Fosston and made improvements. Gary’s granddaughter, Tyra, currently lives on the farm.

Gary was a semi driver for Reichart Trucking out of Fosston.  He put on many miles and had numerous tales of his travels.  He also drove a milk truck for Land ‘O Lakes in Fosston.  Gary worked at Bertek’s Standard gas station and shop for years, and then purchased it.  He tore down the gas station and built a new convenience store and gas station, that is still there today. 

Realizing he needed more repair space, he purchased the Wynne garage across the street on Hwy 2 and started Gary’s Repair.  Later he purchased the Offerdahl/Hartz building which he tore down and built Hanson’s Repair there. This business remained in business until the Fall of 2022.  Gary also owned and operated the town/area wrecker tow-truck for numerous years.  He loved to repair cars on the side. 

Gary will be remembered for his smirk and smile, his laugh and sense of humor.  He loved being around people.  Gary loved music and was the first to grab a guitar and start the family singing.  He was nicknamed Happy and was always there for his friends.  Gary had a strong faith that carried him through his life.

Survivors include his sons Chad (Angie) of Esko, MN, and Adam (Diane Jacobson) of Hammond, WI; 4 grandchildren: Tyra, Jace, Alex and Brooke Hanson; 2 sisters, Barb (Don) Strege of Bemidji, MN, and Marlene (Brad) Johnson of Nashville, TN; 3 brothers, Ron (Rose Uebe) of Fosston, MN, Royal (Sue) of Woodinville, WA, and Jim (Pat) of Fargo, ND; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, wives, and numerous relatives.