Gordon Norman Hanson, 92, formerly of Roseville, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2024 at his home on Balsam Lake, Wisconsin. He is survived by his daughters, Melinda Hoelscher, Mary Ann Hanson and Amy (Jim) Green; grandchildren, Luke Hoelscher, Elizabeth (Dave) Bell, Andrew Hoelscher, Charlie Green and Nick Green; great-granddaughter, Mara Bell; sister, Norma (Denny) Bohman and sister-in-law, Suzanne Smemo; eleven nieces, four nephews; and his devoted dog, Dixie.

Gordon was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Ann (Sherman) of 35 years; parents, Noble and Betty Hanson; parents-in-law, Victor and Pearl Sherman; brothers, Hartwick Hanson and Alden Hanson; brothers-in-law, Jack Sherman, Kenneth Smemo, and Gerald Atkins; sisters-in-law, Shirley Hanson, Beverly Hanson and Janis Atkins.

Gordon received his degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. While there he was a part of Lutheran Campus Ministry and had part time jobs cleaning the science building and selling “peanuts and popcorn” at Badger games. He lived in a house with a group of friends and his brother Alden. They named their house, “Paradise”.

While home on break, Gordon met Barbara (Sherman). They were married August 11, 1956. In the early 60’s Gordon taught a high school bible class on Sundays. Two of his students were tragically killed in Vietnam. One of the mothers told him that the bible classes were comforting to her son on the battlefield.

Gordon started his career at Engineering Resources, Inc, Remington Rand, and Univac. He went on to be one of the first 200 employees at Control Data Corp. Gordon worked as a Vice President of several areas including educational systems and courseware operations. He finished his career there taking an early retirement in 1986. A highlight of his career at Control Data was a team project designing the Fire Control Computer for the Ballistic Missile systems on the Polaris Submarine. Working on this project and spending time on a submarine opened the eyes of a farm boy from Wisconsin. He was awed by the dedication of the military personnel. The Polaris team continues to meet once a year for lunch. After retiring Gordon began manufacturing and marketing a line of physical therapy products. He collaborated on three patents and enjoyed exhibiting at PT conferences with Barb and later Amy.

Upon Barb’s passing in 1992, Gordy turned the family cabin on Balsam Lake into a home. He lived there for the remainder of his life. He was actively involved in the community and his church and made many wonderful friends. Gordy loved entertaining. He hosted an Annual 4th of July weekend for the Hansons for 50 years (give or take a year). There was always plenty of food, laughter, cards and fellowship. When company went home he could be found sitting on his deck, waving at passing boats and listening to the loons.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Balsam Lutheran Church at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 11, 2024. There will be a visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 am, one hour before the service. Gordon will be interred at Roselawn Cemetery (Roseville, Minnesota) in a private burial at a later date.

Last Update: May 06, 2024 12:15 pm CDT