Donald Hanson, 69, of Austin, Minnesota, died peacefully on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 26, 2017, at Comforcare Good Samaritan Society in Austin, surrounded by his loving family.

Donald Sheldon Hanson was born June 24, 1947, in Austin. He was the son of G. Sheldon and Bette (Odden) Hanson. Donald graduated from Austin High School in 1965 and from Mankato State College in 1970, with a bachelor’s degree in history. Fulfilling his military obligation, Donald was in the U. S. Naval Officer Training program. After being released from the military, he continued his employment at the George A. Hormel Austin plant that he had started during his college education.

Donald married Alice Wegner of Faribault, Minnesota, on Aug. 21, 1971, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Faribault.  This marriage was blessed with two daughters, Jennifer and Katie. Donald was a devoted, patient husband to Alice and a loving, caring father to Jennifer and Katie. He instilled many character traits in his girls and was proud of them as capable women. Donald was an active supporter of the Cedar Valley Conservation Club, a willing worker at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, and an enthusiastic fisherman and traveler.

He is survived by his wife Alice; daughters, Jennifer and Katie; sisters, Judy (Manly) Osborn, Denton Texas, Janet Gerber, River Falls Wisconsin, Susan (Eric) Osterberg, Andover, Minnesota, and Shirley (Stan) Weiss, Chandler Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Laurel (Kermit) Leet, Butterfield Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Donald was preceded in death by his parents; sister Connie Bilotta; and brother-in-law John Gerber.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 6, 2017, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Austin, with Pastor Larry LaDassor officiating. Inurnment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday evening, March 5, 2017, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Austin High School Trap team, Pheasants Forever, and the Mower County Humane Society.  Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.