Carole Mae Hanson-Nass

Carole Mae Hanson-Nass Fierce as wind, her love Guides through storms, holds tight in calm Roots us, yet sets us free Carole Mae Hanson-Nass was a force of nature, a woman of unwavering conviction, deep faith, and boundless love. For over 60 years, we were blessed to call her Mom. Opinionated yet generous, strong in her sense of right and wrong, and tender in her devotion to her children, grandchildren, and pets, she lived life with passion and purpose. Carole's heart overflowed with love for her family, vibrant gardens, intricate quilts, soulful music, and the pages of a good book. Born Carole Mae Gunderson on November 27, 1938, in Luverne, Minnesota, she faced life's challenges with resilience from an early age. A spinal polio survivor, she was bedridden at age 9 for a year, yet emerged stronger, embodying the grit of her Depression-era roots. She grew up in the 1950s, swooning at the silver screen over Roy Rogers and later becoming a devoted fan of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and countless others. Her love for music, passed down to her children and grandchildren, filled our home with songs and melody. Carole's career began in the 1970s, balancing motherhood with four children and demanding work at Hennepin County. She started at the HCMC Emergency Room admitting desk, working overnight shifts, before transitioning to a caseworker role with Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Her eye for detail and dedication led her to become a law clerk, a position she held until her retirement in the early 1990s. In retirement, Carole savored the freedom to rise when she pleased, sip coffee, dote on her beloved pets, and devour the Star Tribune cover to cover. With sharp wit and total recall, she'd analyze the day's news, ready to debate what was right or wrong with the world. A proud Norwegian, she relished passing down traditions of Norwegian traditions, foods, and pastries (though we drew the line at lutefisk!). Her frugal nature, shaped by her Depression-era upbringing, meant she saved everything-paper bags, ice cream buckets, and rubber bands were treasures in her semi-organized world. Carole had a flair for style, believing a woman with trim ankles in strappy red shoes was the epitome of elegance-"the cat's meow." She admired a man in a crisp uniform with polished shoes, especially if he smelled nice, joking it could make any woman's "socks roll up and down." To her children, she imparted timeless wisdom: we entered the world with a good name, and it was our duty to keep it intact. When we tested curfews, she'd remind us, "Growing things don't grow in the dark." Carole passed into the arms of the Lord on August 27, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Clyde Gunderson; brothers Earl Gunderson and Milo Herrmann; first husband, John E. Hanson; and second husband, George V. Nass. She is survived by her sister, Julie Herrmann; children Jeffrey Hanson (spouse Julie), Terrence Wood, Constance Newland, and James Hanson; grandchildren Michelle Lenzmeier, Jolene Hanson, Madelyn Wood, Tyler Wood, Amanda Johnson, Dwane Johnson, Elijah Hanson, and Abigail Hanson; and six great-grandchildren: Kynslee, Ryker, Reid, Tim, Desmond, and Jakobe. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Lord of Life Church, 7401 County Rd 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311, with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, please honor Carole's love for animals with donations to the Animal Humane Society, 845 Meadow Lane N., Golden Valley, MN 55422, (952) 435-7738.

Tributes

Carole Mae Hanson-Nass

November 27, 1938 - August 27, 2025

Tributes

Carole Mae Hanson-Nass

November 27, 1938 - August 27, 2025

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