Theodore Hanson (1847-1936)

HANSON, ERICKSON, MCFARLANE, WASHBURN

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/12/2024 at 18:52:03

From Story City Herald January 23, 1936 (page 1)

THEO. HANSON HAD LONG LIFE

Obituary of Former Story City Implement Man

Theodore Hanson was born July 18, 1847, at Ness Romerike, Norway, and died Jan. 6, 1936, reaching the high age of almost 88 1/2 years. His parents were Hans and Marie Finstad. He learned the trade of a blacksmith in Norway and in 1870 emigrated and came to Sheridan, Ill., later moving to Chicago, where he worked at his trade, blacksmithing. In 1871 he was united in marriage to Tolene Ereickson who departed this life in 1896. To this union two daughters and one son were born, one daughter, Minnie, having also departed this life in 1905.

In 1876 he moved with his family to Hamilton county, Iowa, and located two miles east of Randall, where he set up a shop and did blacksmith work for the farmers. A few years later he bought a small farm near by, moved his house ad shop there, and engaged in farming and also continued to do blacksmith work.

In 1891 having sold his farm he moved to Story City and started an implement shop in the old Thompson cooper shop. A few years later he moved into the building just south of the Pioneer shore, and was engaged in the farm implement business for about 20 years. In 1905 he was united in marriage to Mary McFarlane, who also departed this life in 1911.

In 1913 he sold his business and came to St. Paul, Minn., where he spent his declining years with his son Henry. In St. Paul he affiliated with Christ Lutheran church and was a faithful member, taking great interest in the work of the church. His departure was the happy consummation of a long life. He was ready. He seemed to sense during the latter months that his days on earth were numbered, and with Simeon of old he could say: "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation."

The deceased is survived by one son, Henry L. Hanson of St. Paul, one daughters, Mrs. W. M. Washburn of Buffalo, N.Y., also by a brother in Norway and by seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Funeral and Burial Here

Mr. Hanson had an abiding love for his "old home town" and one of his requests had been that the funeral be held here and that he be interred in the local cemetery. The body was thus brought to Story City and on Thursday, Jan. 9th, the funeral service was held in the St. Petri church, with Rev. Scarvie officiating. The special singing was by Mrs. Lester Henderson and Miss Alvena Holm. The pallbearers were: A. M. Henderson, E. E. Sevareid, B. T. Holm, A. G. Larson, L. A. Dale and Paul A. Olson. A number of the old time friends of the departed assembled to pay their last respects to a man who had been universally held in high esteem during a long lifetime.

Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Hanson of St. Paul and Mrs. W. M. Washburn and grandson of Buffalo, N. Y., were present at the funeral, as were several other near relatives of the deceased.