Donna Marie Hanson

Donna Marie Hanson, age 88 of Brainerd, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024, at Essentia St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd. Donna was born on December 17, 1935, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Esther (Quick) and Vernon Lundeen.

Donna will be deeply missed by her children, Doug (Cheryl) Hanson, Tom (Penny) Hanson, and Nancy Hanson; grandchildren, Reed Hanson and Jerry Hanson; siblings, Vernon (Nancy) Lundeen, Duane (Bonita) Lundeen, and Barbara Jenkauski.

Donna is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Hanson (1976); brothers Vincent and John Lundeen; sisters Muriel Howard, Verna Davies, and Sally Hanson.

Donna graduated from Aitkin High School in 1953 and married Jerry Hanson in 1956. Donna worked at St Joseph’s hospital in Housekeeping, X-Ray and Physical Therapy for 10 years before earning her LPN degree in 1987 from the Brainerd Vo-Tech. She had a passion for nursing and dedicated herself to caring for others. She went on to work at Kingwood Nursing Home, where her compassion touched the lives of many residents. Donna's commitment to care continued as she served in psychiatric care at the Brainerd State Hospital for 10 years before her retirement. In her retirement, she continued her service to the community as a part-time bailiff at the Crow Wing County Justice Department.

Donna’s true joy came from spending time with her family and friends. She cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories filled with love and laughter. Donna was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she found fulfillment in volunteering her time and talents. She also enjoyed being an active member of the Brainerd Senior Center, where she engaged in various activities and cherished the time spent with her friends. She had a passion for baking and a sense of adventure for traveling and experiencing new places. She had a love for reading and was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Twins. She had a competitive spirit and loved playing bingo and was unstoppable when it came to playing her favorite card game Widow Whist.

Funeral Services for Donna will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 2, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd, with a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Saron Cemetery in Aitkin, Minnesota.