HANSON, Erma Mildred (Dieterich) 1926-2010

HANSON, DIETERICH, HOFLAND

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/5/2010 at 13:32:44

HANSON, Erma Mildred (Dieterich) 1926-2010

NORTHWOOD, IOWA - Erma Mildred (Dieterich) Hanson, 83, of Northwood, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 2, 2010, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, at Sion Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, with the Rev. Randy Baldwin, officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Tuesday, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral home, Highway 65 S., Northwood, and continue one hour prior to services at the church.

She was born on October 26, 1926, in Mitchell County to Ervin and Ella (Hofland) Dieterich. Following graduation from St. Ansgar schools in 1944, she worked as the bookkeeper for the local lumber yard.

In 1947, she met her future husband, Ernest Hanson, at the Terp Ballroom at Austin, Minn. Two years later, Erma and Ernie were united in marriage on March 27, 1949. The two celebrated their 60th anniversary together in 2009, all of it on the family farm in Brookfield Township in Worth County. Together they raised and nurtured three children, Bev, Lonna, and Ron. Erma spent her life as a farm wife, driving tractor, sorting cattle, feeding the hired men, whatever was needed. Erma and Ernie were recognized by induction into the Worth County Cattleman's Association Hall of Fame in 2008.

She was active in Sion Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, serving as treasurer for more than 25 years, and in circles and ELCW. She volunteered regularly and served as secretary for the Lutheran Retirement Home Auxiliary in Northwood for the past 10 years. She enjoyed quilt-making, rosemaling, and cross-stitching.

She was preceded in death by her parents, for whom she was the primary caregiver for 14 years.

She is survived by her husband, Ernie; daughters, Bev (and Roger) Dant, of Forest City, and Lonna (and Larry) Wantland, of Chariton, and son, Ron (and Del) Hanson, of Cary, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Dan, Luke, and Molli Dant, Ben Wantland, Troy and Tyler Thompson, and Ryan Hanson; two great-grandchildren, Mariah and Elena Dant; and nieces and nephews and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials and contributions may be directed the Lutheran Retirement Home Auxiliary, Eagles Cancer Telethon, or the charity of your choice.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral home, 641-324-1121.

[Published in Globe Gazette online, January 5, 2010]