Bernie Merill Hanson, 89, of Hudson, Wis., and formerly of Lyle, died July 25, 2011.

He was born Oct. 17, 1921, in Marshall Township near Adams to Harry Jerome and Martha Caroline (Thompson) Hanson. On May 21, 1944, he married Mildred Sylvia Thompson in Lyle.

Bernie served his country as a Seaman First Class in the Navy and later served as post commander for VFW Post 864. Bernie worked as both a farmer and for many years with the UAW Local 1268 as a lift truck operator and maintenance man with the Chrysler Corporation in Belvedere, Ill. Outside of work, Bernie was a Boy Scout leader, worked with different crafts, and added to his toy tractor collection. Bernie was also an animal lover and especially enjoyed having cats. He enjoyed day-long drives with Millie and helping around the farm whenever he had the chance. Above all, Bernie loved traveling, camping and fishing; and as he grew older, he especially enjoyed camping with his grandchildren.

Bernie is survived by his son: Roger (Janet Widder) Hanson, Wauzeka, Wis.; daughter: Mary Pinkston, Kanawha, Iowa; son: Jerry Hanson, Montrose; grandchildren: Timothy Hanson, Menomonie and his son Connor; Rebecca Hanson, Oak Creek, Colo., Kirsten (Charlie) Lawson, Menomonie and their children Kaycie, Jeshua, Amos and Sylvia, and Thomas (Jessica) Hanson, Maple Lake, Minn., and their children Kayla and Jakob. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

Bernie was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred and his brother, Archie.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, July 28, at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S 11th St., Hudson, with Pastor Steve Hokonson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with military rites by Fort Snelling National cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad.