Albert (Sandy) Hanson

Published December 07, 2020 at 2:14 PM

Albert (Sandy) Hanson, age 90, lifelong resident of Holmes City passed away peacefully at his daughters home on Tuesday December 1, 2020 under the care of Knute Nelson Hospice and his loving family.

Sandy was born June 15, 1930 to Albert Sr. and Hilda (Oberg) Hanson at the Douglas County Hospital. He was raised on the family farm located on the shores of Mill Lake. He was the last survivor of that generation.

Sandy was a world traveler in his younger years, joining the United States Navy from 1950-1954 where he was known as an “Expert Shooter” and worked as a “Gunners - Mate” in charge of a 5 inch Projectile Gun on the ship. He remained a member of the VFW till his passing. Sandy had several jobs including that of Truck Driver for Green Trucking, wiring air planes at Bellanca Aircraft, trenching telephone cables underground for “Ma-Bell” and Backhoe operator / ditch digger prior to starting his own excavating business called “Hanson Excavating”. The business remains in operation still today with the eldest son (Mark) taking over after Sandy acquired Guillain-Barré syndrome and became paralyzed in 1987. He continued to manage the paperwork for the business and with the help of Family and Friends kept active performing “Perc” tests which are required when designing septic systems.

During his life he enjoyed playing baseball. Umping baseball games, coaching his wife’s fast pitch softball team, caring for the cattle on their hobby farm, reading, hunting, playing cards; Yahtzee, Acey Deucy and especially Cribbage. Sandy LOVED being outdoors and was frequently seen driving around on his golf cart acting as a chauffeur to anyone who wanted to climb aboard. His passion in later years was mowing lawns, which his adult children took full advantage of!

Sandy was united in marriage to the stunning Shirley Muzik on December 14th, being married 62 years and 352 days. They make their “Forever Home” on Mill Lake outside of Holmes City, being blessed with seven beautiful children: Heidi (Bob) Olson, Mark Hanson, Jeff (Sue) Hanson, Twila (Jerry) Vosen, Gary Hanson, Kaiya Blanshan and Jami (Eder Silva) Hanson... all of whom now live locally. To those unions were born thirteen even more beautiful grandchildren and sixteen gorgeous great grandchildren!

He will always be remembered for his kind, calm and gentle demeanor, along with his never-ending patience, all encompassing wisdom, adorable smile and “SPUNKY” sense of humor (he was game for any shenanigans). Sandy welcomed ANYONE into their home offering unconditional conversation and a cup or two of hot coffee.

Sandy is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings.

The family is planning a CELEBRATION OF LIFE this upcoming Spring / Summer... more info to follow!