John Hanson

John David “Hawkeye” Hanson, Sr died from leukemia on Sept 12, 2025 at the age of 75. He was born May 8, 1950 to Arnold Hanson & Velma (Schweibert) Hanson in Webster City Iowa, and was baptised at St Paul’s Lutheran Church. He grew up in the Webster City area until graduating from Webster City High School. He attended Iowa Community College in Webster City until he enlisted in the USAF. He served in Korea and other undisclosed locations, eventually transferring to GFAFB. While stationed in GF, he met his future wife, Mary Kay, where she literally fell into his life. They were married June 5, 1971 at St Micheal’s Church in Grand Forks. They settled in Grand Forks, after his honorable discharge from the USAF, he joined the Army National Guard for several years, serving under his Father-in-Law Big John Selthun. He worked for Selthun Construction and then started 25+ years of civilian service for the USAF Department of Defense at the GFAFB. He retired from his Social Scientist position at the Family Support Center in 2010.

John was passionate in his support of veterans and their families. He was a proud member of the Raymond Quesnell Post 1874 and was a past Post, District and Department Commander. John and Mary Kay traveled many miles to attend VFW conventions across the USA, enjoying time with friends. He was also co-Founder for the Veterans’ Memorial Park. Watching it be built was one of his biggest achievements.

John’s happiest times were spent in the company of his family. He loved attending anything the grandkids were a part of and logged many hours in the bleachers and the auditoriums of their events. Summers were spent camping, fishing (and not always catching), spoiling the grandkids, cruising in the Gator, and gardening. He and Mary Kay spent hours making salsa from the bounty of their huge gardens to share with everyone. Fall was spent preparing for and hunting with John, Ben and the grandkids and other family members and just enjoying time in the outdoors. Winters were spent playing Santa, hanging Christmas lights, and snowblowing the neighborhood. Spring was spent in his garden and beautiful yard. He loved to grow yellow roses for Mary Kay. He also enjoyed working on vehicles (except Dodges) and tinkering in his garage.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years Mary Kay, son John Jr (Julie) Hanson, daughter Miriah (Ben) Kliner, and grandkids Alex (Sammy Hill) Hanson, Alexis Hanson, Jacob Kliner (Abby Peichel), Joshua Kliner, and Jessaca Kliner, all of Grand Forks and brother, Ronald Hanson of Fayetteville, NC.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Velma Hanson and in-laws John and Marian Selthun.

John’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Altru Cancer Center and the Mayo Clinic Stem Cell transplant team for the amazing care received the last 2 years.

Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 18, 2025 in United Lutheran Church, 324 Chestnut St., Grand Forks. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. with a 5:00 p.m. Prayer Service on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. St., Grand Forks and for one hour prior to the service in the church. Interment will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks.