Herbert Christopher Hanson

On July 11, 2026 Herbert Christopher Hanson - a dedicated pastor, servant, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather - passed away at the age of 100 in Minneapolis Minnesota. Herbert was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on April 13, 1926 the third of four children to Harold Christian Hanson and Mette Marie (Jensen) Hanson. He was baptized at Barum Lutheran Church of rural Elk Mound Wisconsin, the church where he first felt the call to ministry. Growing up on a family dairy farm, he developed a strong work ethic, humility and responsibility, traits that served him well throughout his life. Joining the Marines with his brother was a transformational experience expanding his horizons as he made new friends and traveled across the eastern United States. Following his military service, he enrolled at Augsburg College pursuing his call to the ministry by preparing for seminary. He attended Luther Seminary from 1951 through 1955 and was ordained at Barum Lutheran Church on June 12, 1955. Throughout his career he served parishes in North Dakota, Colorado, Wisconsin and Iowa. He was a dedicated pastor serving his parishioners with love and care, while instilling a sense of service to others. He built trust that positioned him as a confidant and respected leader empowering him to guide congregations through change and challenges. He was especially proud of building projects at the churches he served. At age 96, he spoke at Trinity of Norden Lutheran Church's sesquicentennial celebration fondly sharing his pride in a project that resulted in moving a parish hall across the road to connect to the main church building. During his freshman orientation at Augsburg College, he met fellow freshman, Joyce Tallman, later proposing to her in his car by Lake Harriet. They were married on September 23, 1950 beginning almost 74 years of a meaningful life together. Reflecting on their time together, he referred to Joyce as a "miracle" in his life. They partnered in their ministry excelling in outreach and creating a welcoming environment. As a couple they stood up for the underprivileged, underserved and marginalized. They welcomed diversity, evident now in the many cultures represented in their extended family. Together they raised four children. He was proud of each child and delighted in seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Herbert especially enjoyed gardening, working on cars and carpentry projects. In retirement he and Joyce traveled the country camping in their motorhome and continuing to serve others through volunteer efforts. He was proud of the work they did together with Habitat for Humanity across the country. In Forest City, Iowa he was named volunteer of the year for his work on a local Habitat home. He and Joyce made many life-long friends and in his later years he enjoyed reaching out to former parishioners, family and friends. He was remarkably adept at using new technology and bought his last computer in his 97th year, using Facebook and email to keep up with grandchildren and great grandchildren. As his eyesight failed he utilized Alexa to play the news or a favorite song. He had a keen sense of humor and was a clever joke-teller. Showing his sense of humor he asked Alexa to play The Hallelujah Chorus after finishing a final Physical Therapy session. Herbert is survived by his children, Annette (Pat) Patel of St. Paul, Gail Hanson of Osceola, WI, Dan (Elaine) Hanson of Urbandale, Iowa and Cheryl Reiners of Minneapolis, seven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife Joyce, his parents, sisters Evelyn Kilde and Mildred Petersen, brother Elmer Hanson, son-in-law Mike Schmidt, brothers and sisters-in-law as well as many valued friends and fellow members of the clergy. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22nd, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2730 East 31st Street, Minneapolis, MN. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch. Herbert donated his body to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program. Interment will take place at a later date at Sunset Memorial Park, Minneapolis. Memorials can be directed to Luther Seminary, PO Box 860747, Minneapolis, MN 55486 (https://www.luthersem.edu/giving/).

Herbert Christopher Hanson

April 13, 1926 - July 11, 2026

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