Benard Wendell Hanson passed away Monday, October 22, 2012 at Valley Health Care in Billings, MT.
Ben was born February 2, 1922 in Cummings, ND to Tecla and Gunder Hanson. The family soon moved to Winifred, MT where Ben spent his childhood and school years. In 1940, the Hanson’s moved to Kinsey, MT where the family farmed.
Ben met the love of his life, Betty Lou Beckman in 1940. The couple married on April 5, 1942, taking over the family farm. Their first daughter, Diane, was born in 1943. In 1947, after Ben’s time in Guam with the US Navy during WWII, the couple’s son, Keith was born. In 1950, the family moved to the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation Project outside of Terry, MT. They grew sugar beets, field corn and alfalfa and had a cattle feed lot. Their second daughter, Cora Sue, was born in 1955.
In 1975, with the family raised and on their own, Ben and Betty moved to Miles City where Ben worked for the Custer County Water & Sewer District. He also worked with his son-in-law, Phil Schaff, doing construction and remodeling jobs.
Finally, in 1985 at the age of 63, Ben settled into retirement. This left time for him to enjoy his hobbies of wood working, yard work and gardening, camping and fishing full-time. Additionally, Ben and Betty traveled extensively. As members of Good Sam, they enjoyed touring and entertaining in their assorted motor homes. Ben was also a lifetime member of the American Legion, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the VFW.
Ben and Betty moved to Billings in 2011. In April of 2012, they celebrated their 70th anniversary.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Vivian. He is survived by his wife, Betty, daughter Diane (Ron Joslyn), son Keith (Pam), daughter Cora Sue (Gordon Brannon); grandchildren: Tanna, Scott, Kevin, Tim, Justin, Davin and Sean; 7 great grandchildren; 1 niece, 2 nephews and numerous cousins.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 26, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s or cancer research organization of your choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 25, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday October 26, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday October 26, 2012
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 25, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday October 26, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday October 26, 2012
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Arlene Hubbert Thompson says
I am so sorry to hear the sad news…Ben was a special person!..I wanted to go to his funeral, but time and my location is iffy(well–not the location…lol) My best regards to you and family…….Arlene.
Debbie Portwine Talcott says
Betty our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Very sorry for you loss. (I am the daughter of Ed Portwine whom served with Ben and Glen Luderman in Guam while in the US Navy.)
Clarence and Carlene Root says
Sorry to hear about your loss. You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. Carlene (Aastrom) and Clarence Root.
Julie Kaufman says
Cora Sue I am so sorry for your loss. I used to see your parents sometimes when I lived in Miles City. I will always remember the fun times at your place when I was the “city girl”. Your dad and mom were always so nice.
Julie Buckingham Kaufman
Virginia & Duane Strohmayer says
Betty and Family
May beautiful memories light you way through this sad time.
Virginia Meidinger Strohmayer and Duane
Gary and Cathy (Ban) Kalmback says
Cora Sue, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Cherish the memories!
Bonnie J Jerke says
I was sorry to hear about Bennie, but I knew he wasn’t well. It’s good to think about the friendship between Dad and him and the last time I saw them together. I am saddened that we’ve lost the strong fathers in our families and both are missed. May the memories keep you and bless you as time goes on.
With love, Bonnie