Howard "Howie" L. Hanson, age 59 of Dilworth, MN, formerly of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Sanford Health Systems in Fargo, ND.

Howard Leslie Hanson, the son of Leslie and Ethel (Grimsrud) Hanson, was born on November 2, 1951, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Mahnomen. He grew up in Mahnomen and attended Mahnomen High School. Following his high school graduation in 1970, Howard attended Moorhead State University for one year followed by two years of Business College in Minneapolis, MN. He returned to Mahnomen and began working full time at First National Bank. At the age of 20, Howard campaigned for Mahnomen City Mayor and was officially elected three days after his 21st birthday. He proudly served two terms as mayor from 1974 until 1979. He was Minnesota's youngest mayor and was recognized as an Outstanding Young Man of America in 1980. Howard continued his career at the bank and made many treasured relationships over the years. On May 28, 1982 he was united in marriage to Patty Garcia and to this union they were blessed with a daughter, Serina. In the late 1990's, Howard retired and shortly thereafter moved to Fargo, ND. He lived for a short time in Moorhead and in 2000, Howard and Serina moved to Dilworth to make their home.


Howard had a wonderful zest for life. He was a member of Dilworth Lutheran Church and as a licensed pilot he was involved with the Mahnomen Flying Club. His dog, Bonzo, was always by his side, often as his co-pilot. Howard greatly enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, golfing or simply walking through the woods. He was an avid sports fan who loved to watch baseball and never missed a Vikings game. In years past he coached the fifth and sixth grade flag football team. Howard also liked to bowl and was a member of two weekly leagues. Howard had a very active life and attended many fun events with his friend, Bryan. He enjoyed music and often attended concerts but his favorite event was the Fargo Blues Fest.

Howard's caring and generous attitude touched so many people. For years he was "Santa" in the Mahnomen community as well as the "Candyman" in the Dilworth Community. Hanging out with friends, playing play station and video golf was always a goodtime. The true highlight of Howard's life was his grandson, Brady. Together they made many memories which will be treasured forever.


Howard is survived by his daughters, Serina Hanson of Moorhead, MN and Amy (Kevin) Kelly of Henderson, MN; his grandson, Brady Wadena of Moorhead; his mother, Ethel Hanson of Mahnomen; a brother, Harley (Brenda) Hanson of Mahnomen; four sisters: Ann (Ron) Oliveri of San Antonio, TX, Carol (Ken) Pierce of West Fargo, ND, Linda (John) Simon and Marilyn (Rick) Kaiser both of Mahnomen; five nephews: Chris, Jeffery, Derek, Daniel, and Scott; five nieces: Jackie, Jill, Brenda, Heather and Ashley; two great-nephews; three great-nieces; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father, Leslie Hanson; grandparents: Merwyn and Esther Hanson and Kenneth and Lillian Grimsrud; a special nephew, Adam Steinmetz and one great-nephew, Tommy Oliveri.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 10:30 am at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, MN.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 18, 2011 from 5-7 pm with a service of sharing beginning at 6:30 pm at the Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen.

Visitation will also continue one hour before the services at the church on Tuesday.

Inurnment will take place at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery in Mahnomen, MN, at a later date.