Morris "Morrie" C. Hanson

Morris “Morrie” Hanson, age 73, of Mankato, MN, passed away on November 7, 2024, at his home. 

Morrie was born on November 24, 1950, to Hilmer J and Rose Marie (Blomquist) Hanson in New Ulm, MN. He graduated from Hanska High School in 1968; the last class to graduate from Hanska School. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from January 1969 to 1972.

On February 3rd, 1973, Morrie united in marriage to Charlene L. Anderson at Zion Lutheran Church in Hanska, MN and together they built a life filled with love and family. In pursuit of a career, Morrie attended Rochester Community College from 1972 to 1975.

Morrie then worked as a police officer in New Ulm before the family relocated to Mankato in 1976. It was here that Morrie began his long and dedicated career to the lumber business, working for Lampert Lumber Yard, which is currently known as Builders First Source and had yet to retire. His family jokes that he could build anything out of 2x4’s and as he proudly shared with everyone he could, he was in the lumber business for 45 years. His strong work ethic, attention to detail, and teaching others will remain a testament of his dedication to the business and his passion for the craft.

Outside of work, Morrie had a passion for hunting, construction, being a helping neighbor, and chatting over a cup of coffee. He loved to help others build, whether it was a deck or an entire home. His generosity to lend a hand to those who needed was one of his special attributes. 

His greatest joys in life were his family, his dogs, and helping others. He will be remembered for his kindness, work ethic, and unwavering devotion to his friends and family. He leaves behind a lasting reminder of his love, service, selflessness, and sense of humor.

 Morrie is survived by his wife Charlene of Mankato; three children, Karla (Larry) Olimb of Plymouth, MN; Joshua (Gio) Hanson of Maple Grove, MN; and Matthew Hanson of North Mankato, MN; five grandchildren, Nathaniel, Jayden, Jackson, Mayla and Elizabeth; two siblings; brother Randy (Billie) Hanson of North Mankato, MN and sister Heidi Franta of New Ulm, MN; mother-in-law, Irene Anderson of Mankato, MN; brothers-in-law, Bill Wurtz of Hanska, MN and Michael (Elaine) Anderson of Ramsey, MN and many extended family, coworkers, and friends. 

 Morrie was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Helene Wurtz; father-in-law, John Anderson; sister-in-law, Sharon Anderson and brother-in-law, Joey Franta.

A Memorial Service to Celebrate Morrie’s Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Northview - North Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. There will be a private burial at Linden Lutheran Cemetery, rural Hanska, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be made to Linden Lutheran Cemetery or will be donated directly to a charity of the families choosing. The family expresses gratitude and thanks to all those who have offered their condolences.