Harold G. Hanson 1896-1987

HANSON, LIEDL

Posted By: Viv Reeves (email)
Date: 1/31/2014 at 17:40:00

Onawa Sentinel, Onawa, (Monona), Iowa, 26 Mar 1987:

DR. HAROLD G. HANSON

Dr. Harold Gleason Hanson was born in Little Sioux, Iowa on March 25, 1896 and died March 15, 1987 at Burgess Memorial Hospital, Onawa, just nine days short of his 91st birthday.

Harold attended the local grade and high schools, graduating in 1914. He enrolled at the University of Iowa where he took his pre-medical studies intending to follow a family tradition of becoming a doctor.

However, as World War I broke out in Europe Harold was one of the first men in Little Sioux to be called to the service of his country. He was in Fort Dodge during the never-to-be-forgotten flu epidemic that claimed so many lives. He crossed the Atlantic in a troop ship, 14 days in the convoy, observed and attacked by German submarines. In France, Harold served as a radio operator in the 90th Texas Oklahoma Division.

Harold returned home, June 24, 1919 to marry the sweetheart who had waited for him, Florence Liedl, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Liedl, of Minneapolis. The young couple lived in Wisconsin for a number of years, teaching in the country schools. He entered Creighton University of Omaha, still intent on a medical degree, this time in dentistry. He graduated in 1927, and opened his office in the newly built Medical Arts Building in Omaha.

Dr. Hanson practiced dentistry in Loup City and Crofton, Neb. for 26 ½ years and was a prominent member of the communities. He and Florence traveled extensively through the western states and in Mexico. He delighted in photographing beautiful scenes and historic buildings, and used the resulting slides to entertain various clubs and school classes in Crofton.

At retirement time the Hansons decided to come back home to Little Sioux, close to the family. They purchased several old houses, renewing them for their comfortable living. Then they built a modern home, which they surrounded with plants and flowers. Florence and Harold celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1969. Florence died in May 1985, ending 65 years of companionship.

Dr. Hanson served two terms as mayor of Little Sioux, was a 67 years member of Frontier Lodge No. 382 A. F and A. M., a member of the Little Sioux and Modale Order of the Eastern Star. Recently his Masonic Lodge presented him with an honorary gold pin for his years of membership.

Harold is survived by his sister, Nielsine Gehrke, brother, Augustus T. Hanson, sister-in-law, Irene, nephew Charles W. Hanson, niece Peggy Ann and her children Carla and Jake. His brothers, Dr. Laurence and Carl D. Hanson preceded him in death.

Masonic funeral services, directed by Worshipful Master Mervyn Skinner were held March 19 at the Pearson Funeral Chapel, at Onawa. George Weed was the Orator. The Rev. Everett Epperson officiated. Organist Mrs. Syril Brown played two favorite selections, “How Great Thou Art” and “Abide With Me”.

Bearers were Mervyn Skinner, Jerry Erixon, Wendell Alton, Virgil Alton, Rick Shearer and Fred Cooper. Honorary bearers were Kenneth Carritt, Vernon Little, Hugh Grimes, Dr. J. L. Moad, Clarence Johnson, Ron Cutler, Ernest Caldwell, Elmer Lizer and Chester Hilton.

Burial was in the Little Sioux Cemetery in the Hanson Family Plot. The American Legion Post No. 410, John Carritt, Commander, concluded with a military service, taps played by Candy Marcum of Mondamin and DeEtte Vittitoe of Pisgah.