Eileen Hanson 87, Ada, Minnesota, died Sunday, February 9, 2014, at Benedictine Care Community, Ada, MN.

Eileen was born on March 18, 1926, at home at rural Minot, ND, the daughter
of Alfred and Helen (Brue) Trontvedt. She moved with her family to rural Fertile, Minnesota in 1934, where she attended school. Eileen was a graduate of Fertile High School. She was united in marriage to Charles Hanson on July 6, 1943, in San Louis Obispo, CA. During the time Charles served in the United States Army, Eileen lived in Fertile with her parents until he was discharged in 1945. They moved to Mason City, Iowa for a short time and then returned to the Fertile area to farm. In 1950, they moved to a farm near Gary, Minnesota, and continued to farm until 1986. Eileen worked at the Wimmer Memorial Home in Ada for many years. They moved to Ada in 1986.

Eileen was known for her kindness, gentleness, and quick smile. She always had the coffee on and cookies ready to go. Cooking and baking for her family brought great happiness to her, and she knew everyone's favorites and made sure they were ready when they came to visit. Her family especially cherished the fudge and brownies she made. Charles and his brothers, Lloyd, Arnold, and Glen spent many mornings sitting around her kitchen table drinking coffee and enjoying her goodies and good company. For many years, she was hostess to the Hanson family reunions at the farm. Eileen's life was centered around being a homemaker, and she loved it. She thought raising her family on the farm was the best. She also enjoyed her years working as a nurses aid, and a activities coordinator at the nursing home in Ada. She made many life-long friends during her time there.

Eileen cherished her grandchildren. Her joy at hearing about the arrival of a new grandchild, or great-grandchild was something that couldn't be captured in words. She welcomed each one into the world with much love, and a quilt, so they could always be wrapped in her love. She has made special quilts for future great grandchildren so they can feel her love in years to come. Her favorite family activity, was the annual camping trip where everyone would gather at a lake for a few days of being together. She planned the trips early, to make sure everyone could be there. Having the annual family photo taken and was very important to her. Her grandchildren remember being rewarded with a dollar each after the successful photo session.

Eileen's church family was very important to her. She loved quilting Wednesday's out at St. John's where she and her friends would gather to create quilts for people all over the world. She enjoyed serving coffee hours, and other church events all of her life. For many years, she made special quilts for each child baptized at St. Johns, giving her a connection and place in the hearts of many. The last of the quilts she made for St. John's babies was presented this year. She lived a God centered life. Eileen had a wonderful relationship with her brother and sisters. "Isn't that Ervin really something?" was a phrase heard often by her children. "I don't know what I'd do without Vi's letters! We keep each other going!" was the next statement. Her relationship with her siblings was an inspiration to her children. When her parents were living, she never missed visiting them during the week, or on Sunday afternoon.

Her time at Bridges Care Community made her last years enjoyable. She felt like family there, and loved and appreciated the caregivers immensely. She wrote about how much she enjoyed being there, and felt so well cared for and loved. While there, she sometimes felt that she had to stay up until all her "guests" in her living room had gone home before she could go off to bed. Her morning coffee with Roger, and frequent visits from her family were cherished.

Eileen is survived by her children, Gene (Julie) Park Rapids, MN, Cheryl (Bob) Drevlow, Washburn, WI, Kay (Bob) Pederson, Brainerd, MN, Roger (special friend, Vicki Wambach) Ada, MN, and daughter in law, Tamara Hanson, Blaine, MN, 12 grandchildren: Scott (Jenny) Pederson, Chris Pederson, Ryan Pederson , Michael (Kelly) Drevlow, Benjamin (Christina) Drevlow, Nick (Kara) Hanson, Rosemarie (Joshua) Barta, Emily (Adam)Franklin, Paul Hanson, Emily Hanson, Amber (Zack) Hanson, Jeramie Hanson, and Anthony Hanson, 8 great grandchildren, Austin and Ethan Drevlow, Elijah and Abraham Hanson, Azariah, Evalyn, and William Barta, and Elsie Franklin. She is also survived by one brother, Ervin Trontvedt, Fertile, MN, one sister, Vi Hemming, Peqout Lakes, MN, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents, husband Charles, her son Wayne, grandson, Jonathan Drevlow, infant brother Telford Trontvedt, sister Gladys Troite, and step sister Evelyn Slocum.

Funeral: 11:00AM Thursday, February 13, 2014, at St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Ada, MN.

Church directions from Ada: On State Hwy 200 - 3 miles east to County #24 - 4 miles north and ½ mile west.

Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.

Burial: St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ada, MN.