Ralph Hanson

​Ralph “Foxy” Hanson, 92, of East Grand Forks, MN, formerly of Alvarado, MN, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2017 at his home at Good Samaritan Heritage Pines.

Ralph Calvin Hanson was born on September 1, 1924 in Higdem Township, Polk County, MN, the son of Ralph and Clara (Larson) Hanson. He was raised in rural Alvarado where he attended Stavig Country School. Ralph also studied at the Hanson Mechanic School in Fargo, ND. He served in the US Navy during WWII where he served aboard the USS Yorktown. After his discharge, he returned to Alvarado and was united in marriage to Vivian Haugen on January 15, 1948. They made their home in rural Alvarado where he farmed. They were the 3rd generation to live on the family homestead. They moved to Alvarado in 1989. Vivian died on May 8, 2013. Ralph moved to East Grand Forks in June of 2013.

He was a confirmed member of Elim Lutheran Church and later New Hope Lutheran Church. Ralph was also a member of Alvarado American Legion Post #35, charter member of the Alvarado Lions and a Life Member of the USS Yorktown Association.

Ralph retired in 1986 and he and Vivian spent the next 27 winters at Adobe Wells in McAllen, TX. They loved playing golf and he was proud of his 5 hole-in-one trophies. He also enjoyed playing cards and games with all their many Adobe Wells friends.

He was known as “the fox” to many, and several grandkids and great-grandkids fondly knew him as Grandpa Fox. Ralph was witty, a jokester and loved kids, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids.

More often than not, Ralph was known to have his special peppermints in his pocket. He would carefully introduce them to babies by putting the tiniest bit of peppermint in their mouth.

Left to mourn his passing are four children, Cherryl (Darrell) Olson of Alvarado, MN, Roberta (Roger) Mischel of Warren, MN, Chris Ann (Randy) Jenkins of Lake Park, MN and Jeff Hanson of Alvarado, MN; eleven grandchildren, Brad Olson, Tara Knutson, Erica Kuznia, Jason Mischel, Sarah Mischel, Adam Mischel, Emily Gieseke, Kaija Hockett, Randi Hanson, Jessica Hanson and Tanner Hanson; thirteen great-grandchildren, Kinley, Trever, Jax and Jett Knutson, Kien and Morgan Kuznia, William, Claire and Marion Mischel, Adrian Hamm, Lucas Boucha and Beck and Owen Gieseke; sister, Shirley (Daniel) Grabanski of Casselton, ND and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Randy and Bradley; grandson, Darin Olson; sisters, Connie Farder, Dorothy Olson, Ardis Ferencik and Norma Nicholls and brother, Duane.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Elim Lutheran Cemetery or Hospice of the RRV.

Memorial Service: 10:30 AM on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at New Hope Lutheran Church in Alvarado, MN.

Visitation: After 5:30 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service on Monday at New Hope Lutheran Church in Alvarado and one hour before services on Tuesday at the church.

Interment: Elim Lutheran Cemetery, Alvarado, MN

Military Honors By: Alvarado American Legion Post #35

 Service Information