1st Lt. Curtis L. Hanson

[ironputts]

April 5, 2022

1st Lt. Curtis L. Hanson
Mankato Composite Squadron
Minnesota Wing

Curtis Leroy Hanson of Mankato died peacefully in his sleep at home on March 20th, 2022. Visitation will be held at the Masonic Temple of Mankato on Monday, March 28th at 2:00pm. Refreshments to follow.
Curtis was born in Sisseton, South Dakota on March 21st, 1938 to Harry and Viola (Shultz) Hanson. The eldest of six siblings, he developed a love for flying at a young age earning his pilots license while in high school and crop-dusting area farms. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served in post-war Korea. Upon Honorable Discharge, he decided to continue serving his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. After he was Honorably Discharged, he settled in Minnesota. Curtis made his way to Mankato in 1969 and began working at the local post office where he worked in a number of capacities for nearly three decades before retiring. He met his wife Marian (Ahern) shortly after arriving in Mankato and they were wed in 1970. Over the next few years, they had two children, Heidi and David. Continuing his love for flying, he took Heidi for her first flight when she was just a week old.
Curtis enjoyed spending time catching up with family and friends. Traveling was a passion of his before and after marriage. From traveling to Japan while on military leave to doing fly-in breakfasts during the spring and summer seasons. An avid photographer, he received many awards at county fairs and local competitions. He was recently awarded Mason of the Year after being a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 55 years. Biking on local trails every summer, working in and tending to the garden, and learning new programs on the computer were also enjoyable pastimes. After retiring, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Gabriel and Fiona, taking them to the library, garage sales, and parks.
Curtis is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years Marian, daughter Heidi (Colin) McCarty and their children Gabe and Fiona of St. Peter, Minnesota, and his son David of Mankato. Sister Janice Ringsaker of Rosholt, South Dakota, and brother Harlan (Karen) of Rosholt, South Dakota, sister-in-law Betty (Loren) Burdorf, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Curtis is proceeded in death by his parents Harry and Viola Hanson, siblings Kenneth (Donna) Hanson, Joyce (George) Paur, Delmer Hanson, brother-in-law John Ringsaker, parents-in-law John and Lillian Ahern, brothers-in-law Albert (Carol) Ahern, Francis (Erna and Monica) Ahern, John Claire (Madeline and Mary) Ahern, Lawrence (Beverly) Ahern, and sister-in-law Myrtle (Harold) Warner.
Curtis will be interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis in summer of 2022.