Reuben Hanson

Reuben S. Hanson, age 82, of rural Trail, MN passed away on Wednesday (June 30th) at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday (July 6th) at Bethel Assembly Church in Fosston with Pastor Jon Marx officiating. Interment will be in Mamre Cemetery, rural Fosston. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. sharing time on Monday (July 5th) at Bethel Assembly Church. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday, also at the church. Arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Fosston and messages of condolence may be sent at carlinhoialmen.comReuben Seeger Hanson was born on February 26, 1928, to Carl and Vera Hanson, the youngest of their five children. He was born on and grew up on the farm that his father homesteaded near Trail, MN, first attending country school and later graduating from high school in Crookston, MN. He also studied mechanical engineering at Bemidji State University. Reuben gave his life to the Lord as a child and began a lifelong passion of studying the word of God. He loved the land and remained on the farm throughout his entire life.On May 28, 1952, Reuben was united in marriage to Christine Elizabeth Matson at Hill River Gospel Tabernacle with Christine's missionary father, Reverend Joseph Matson, officiating. They settled on the family farm, purchased from Reuben's father, and began to raise a family. To this union was born seven daughters and three sons.Reuben expanded the farm with dairy, beef cattle, and grain operations. After 50 years of dairying, he slowed down and focused on raising crops, which gave him more time to travel and visit his children and grandchildren. Reuben also enjoyed hunting and fishing, water skiing, teaching Sunday School, and studying and memorizing scripture. Reuben loved to fellowship with people and was naturally suited as a church greeter. He served in various capacities at Bethel Assembly Church and was one of the founders of Sand Hill Lake Bible Camp. He served on the board of Oakland Country School and served for 40 years as sexton for Mamre Cemetery located north of Fosston, where his body will be laid to rest. Later in life, Reuben served as a Gideon, went on mission trips, and was active in prison ministry. He became an avid gardener and spent many happy hours maintaining the farmstead.Reuben was active, farming and ministering, right up to his sudden death at his home on June 30, 2010, at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife Christine; his children Miriam (Ken Buchanan), Jeannie Hill, Kenneth (Renae), Elaine (Don Swenson), Mary (Joseph Walsh), Mark (Dawniss), Gordon (Gina), Linda (Peder Jacobsen), Laura (Evan Jacobsen) and Emily (Jerry Hanson); 35 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. Reuben is also survived by his brother Don, Don's wife Judith, sister-in-law Janice (wife to Victor), and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Vera Hanson, brothers Morris and Victor, and sister Dorothy (Dick) Bender.