Watch Brenda's Funeral

Brenda Hanson, age 53, of Mahnomen, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 3, 2023, at her home.

Brenda Jo Bjorge, the daughter of Byron and Rita (LaVoy) Bjorge, was born February 15, 1970, in Mahnomen. She attended grade school at St. Michael's Catholic School and graduated from Mahnomen High School with the Class of 1988. Following high school, Brenda met the love of her life, Harley Hanson. They were united in marriage on February 28, 1992, in Las Vegas, NV. The young couple made their home in Fargo, ND, for a short time before returning to Mahnomen to put down roots and raise their two daughters.

Over the years, Brenda worked a variety of jobs. She worked many years as a bartender at the Legion in Mahnomen.  She also took on many cleaning jobs. Cleaning wasn't just a job for Brenda, it was a passion of hers. She also worked for the Center for Human Environment for several years and off and on at the Shooting Star Casino. Brenda worked as a Blackjack Dealer, a cook, in housekeeping and most recently she was working as a Prep Cook with the Banquets Department.  She really enjoyed the group of people she worked with at the casino.

Brenda had a competitive side when it came to games. She loved playing Bean Bags, Yahtzee, 10,000, Rummy 500, shooting pool and was stellar at playing Rock Band and Guitar Hero. She also enjoyed hanging out with friends, catching up on all the gossip and putting together jigsaw puzzles. However, Brenda's most treasured times were time spent with family, especially her grandchildren.  Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved spending time with family and friends, especially watching her nephew Jason's band, Undecided.  Brenda was the life of the party and her like it or leave it attitude couldn't be matched. She had her trials and tribulations, but she loved with her whole heart and no matter what she did, she was all in. Although gone from this life too soon, Brenda will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know and love her.

Brenda is survived by her daughters, Heather (Tyler) Anderson and Ashley Hanson, both of Mahnomen; five grandchildren: Dawson, Craig Jr., Clayton, Tucker and Harley; sister, Ruth McArthur of Naytahwaush, MN; brothers: Bob (Jackie) Bjorge of Naytahwaush, Roy Bjorge of Mahnomen and Larry Nattress, also of Mahnomen; and several nieces, nephews and many friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents; brother, JR Bjorge; brother-in-law, Tom McArthur and ex-husband, Harley Hanson.

Blessed be the memory of Brenda Jo Hanson.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at  Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in First Lutheran Church Cemetery, Mahnomen, MN.