Rex Irvin Hanson passed away on January 16, 2022 at the age of 89 years. He was born July 1, 1932 in Lewistown to Bernt and Ona Marie (Hess) Hanson joining his sister, Jean, born November 1, 1930.
The family lived east of Winifred on a homestead on the Missouri River. During the 1930’s, Bernt went logging in the Bitterroot for a couple of years and took the family with him, always coming back to Winifred and Knox Ridge.
In 1940, the family moved from Winifred to Kinsey, Montana and Rex and Jean attended the Kinsey School and graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City. Rex was an outstanding baseball pitcher for Kinsey and Winifred.
Rex went back to Winifred and worked for his Uncle Hugh and Aunt Bernice Ford building reservoirs and roads. Later he also worked for his cousin, Tom Ford, on the ranch and driving truck.
He came back and farmed with his Dad until 1970 when Bernt sold the farm.
Rex worked for Ralph Compton in the fertilizer business, sold insurance for brother-in-law, Doug Fleming, in South Dakota, built a bar with Jim Thomas in Belle Creek, worked on Doug and Jean’s ranch on Sweeney Creek, but his career was with Portable Pavers and John Prince. Rex ran the “hot plant” for many years and drove truck the last few years.
Rex spent a lot of time with Charlotte Vergine, her daughter, Stephanie, and the Ronning Family.
Rex had many friends including Wayne Mulkey, Norman Carey, Jack Campbell, Lewis Parent, Lyle Hirsch, Vincent Two Two, Miles Milligan, Rich Frost, Claire Cook, Terry Gierke, Gary Patrick, Rod Strohmayer, Howard Rasmussen, Bob Job, Ed and Joyce Malley, John Carr, Bob Simac, Wade Fleming, Harvey Saddler, and Pat Hedges, to name a few.
Rex spent his Thanksgiving Holiday with the Campbell Family for many years, staying in close contact with them.
Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Bernt and Ona, sister, Jean, brother-in-law, Doug, Uncle Hugh Ford and Aunt Bernice Hess Ford, Audrey Ford, and many in the Hanson & Hess Family, his special friend Charlotte Vergine, and her daughter, Stephanie. Rex is survived by nephew, Flint Fleming, Tom Ford, Robert and Vicki Ehlert and family (Abby, Carmen and Barry).
A celebration of Rex’s life will be held July 1, 2022 at “High Noon” at the Range Riders Museum in Miles City, with lunch and fellowship to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rex’s memory may be given to the Range Riders Museum or charity of your choosing.
Connie Vergine says
Rex was a humble, gracious and loving soul. He always treated our mother Charlotte, with respect and loving kindness. He held a special place in all of our hearts, especially Stephanie. ❤️ I have many fond memories of gatherings in Rosebud County, with Rex attending family gatherings. Rex was always happy, and I can still hear his chuckle, and remember his stories. Rest on peace Rex. May God’s angels watch over you!
Marcia Wall says
Rex was one of a kind cowboy and a true Montanan! Charlotte was also my mother and Rex referred to us as his daughters. He loved sharing his wisdom on homeopathic remedies for anything wrong with your health! Funny concoctions for sure! Every few months, Rex would call and we laughed together about old times but soon our conversations turned to his love and caring for Steph, my adopted sister that was raised by Charlotte and the help of Rex. He loved her like his own and his heart was also broken when she passed away on January 15, 2021 at the age of 51. I will always be thankful for Rex Hansen, a true and humble human being that loved the earth and Montana! May you Rest In Peace Rex and know so many loved you dearly! I miss and will love you forever! God Bless you! Thank you for sharing a part of your life with Mom and her girls! Marcia xoxo
Cynthia Mulvaney says
My mother, Charlotte, must have had a great reunion with Rex’s soul as she met him at the gates of Heaven. He was a kind and gentle man always ready for a laugh and a smile. Condolences to his family. I’m glad he was a part of our lives.
Janet Stanhope says
Rex was such a kind sweet soul and I am a better person for knowing him. Rex will be missed.
Roger Hille says
Rex and I became friends when we rode through Montana on our Trails4Transplants awareness and fund-raising ride. He stayed most of the night with us, and we became friends and corresponded monthly. A true cowboy friend indeed!!!!
Sherry Stanhope says
You will forever be Missed Rex! You attended many of our families Thanksgivings at Kinsey school & was always like family to all of us!