Caledonia Argus

Posted: 5/28/04

Wayne Hanson

Wayne Hanson, 92, formerly of Caledonia, MN, died Friday, May 14, 2004, at George Davis Manor in West Lafayette, IN, of pneumonia. His family was at his side.

He was born on June 17, 1911, in Door County, WI, to Christian and Pearl (Graham) Hanson. He received his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin, a Master of Agronomy Degree from the University of Minnesota, and additional graduate studies in Administration and in Program Development from the University of Wisconsin and University of North Carolina.

On November 26, 1936, Wayne married Estelle Olson, (daughter of A.K. and Josie) of Clinton, MN. The couple had been married 67 years.

After their marriage, Wayne started a Vocational Agricultural department in Clinton High School, Clinton, before moving to Spring Grove to teach and coach at Spring Grove High School. In 1944 they moved to Caledonia when Wayne was named the Houston County Extension Agent. As County Agent he was instrumental in increasing the average corn yield in the county, implementing the use of artificial breeding of dairy cattle, and developing ways to substantially increase the butterfat average for cows in the Houston County Cow Testing Association. He and Estelle were also active in community affairs and in Immanuel Lutheran Church. The people of Houston County always held a special place in his heart and memory - he often commented that Houston County farmers were not only among the best and most progressive farmers in the State, but they were ìsuch good people.î He and Stell made friendships during their time in Spring Grove and in Caledonia that have endured to the present time.

In 1960 the family moved to St. Paul when Wayne was named the District Director of Programs and Personnel for 22 counties in Southeast Minnesota. For the last 14 years before he retired, he worked state-wide for the Extension Service with County and State Specialists in Program Development and Administration. He retired as Professor Emeritus from the University of Minnesota Extension Service in 1979.

Wayne was an ardent fisherman and hunter and loved the outdoors. He remained active in community affairs and volunteer activities until a few years ago. Even in his illness he never lost his deep interest in, and love for, people.

Survivors include his wife, Estelle; three daughters: Karen (Don) Franzmeier, West Lafayette, IN, Sandra Hanson, Hollywood, FL, and Jayne (Jim) Flynn, Grand Forks, ND; eight grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Albert, of Viroqua, WI.

Memorial services will be held at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church in St. Paul, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2004.

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