Barbara Jean (Erickson) Hanson

Barbara Hanson, 85, of Willmar, died Saturday, May 31, at Copperleaf Serenity Suites in Willmar.

Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 6, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.  The service will be streamed on the church's YouTube page.  Interment will be at Cloverleaf Cemetery in Willmar.  Please dress in bright, cheerful colors to celebrate Barb’s signature style.  Funeral arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Homes, www.hafh.org.

Barbara Jean (Erickson) Hanson was born on July 14, 1939, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, Minnesota, to Carl and Lucille (Sorenson) Erickson.  She grew up in Kandiyohi, Spicer, and Willmar, and graduated from Willmar High School in 1957.  Barb met DeWayne Hanson while she was working at Ann’s Café on 3rd Street.  They were married on November 23, 1957.  They had their first child, Debra, on September 4, 1958.  They welcomed their second daughter, Diane, on August 28, 1959.Their son, Douglas, was born on November 10, 1965.  Barb was a homemaker until the fall of 1971, when she went to work at Willmar Cookie Company.  She later worked at Wardrobe Cleaners until the fall of 1978, when she went to work in the laundry department at Bethesda Nursing Home until she retired in 2004.  She was called out of retirement to work for another year.  Barb had resided at Copperleaf in Willmar for the past seven years.

Barb was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church most of her life.  She served as a Sunday and Bible school teacher, on the Altar Guild, and as a deaconess and member of the Advent Committee.  She loved to cook and was a phenomenal baker.  The family favorite was her scalloped potatoes, which was a recipe from her mother.  She was also a gifted artist, creating many beautiful ceramics.  Barb and DeWayne hosted many family gatherings and neighborhood get-togethers.  She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren: Joel, Neil, Mariah, and Trevin.  Barb and DeWayne loved spending their winters in Arizona with their daughter, Deb, and her husband, Lou.  One of their favorite activities in Arizona was checking out the flea markets.  Barb also loved going for drives, having coffee and pie, listening to country music, and stopping for a twist ice cream cone at Dairy Queen.  She also supported DeWayne’s musical ventures, which included playing in a country swing band and fiddle contests. 

Barb's first grade teacher told her that "her sunny disposition would win her many friends" and that was certainly true.  She had an infectious laugh that people gravitated toward.  Her legacy is one of compassion, kindness, and unwavering faith.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her three children: Deb Nauman, Diane Barduson, and Douglas (Sharlene) Hanson; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are a sister: Bonnie (Ronnie) Keith; sisters-in-law: Elaine Erickson and Lois Erickson; and several nieces and nephews.  Barb was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: DeWayne in 2012; three brothers: Richard, Robert, and Gerald; a sister: Marcia; her son-in-law: Lou; and a great-grandson: Matthew.

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