Jairus “Jerry” Hanson, 91, of Waseca, died on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at Lake Shore Inn in Waseca.

Born on April 17, 1925 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, he was the son of Alfred and Lena (Nelson) Hanson. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1943 and served in the U.S. Army. Following his discharge, he returned to Fergus Falls where he worked at Holten Hardware, Tendercrust Bakery and National Tea Packing Plant. He married Eunice Synstelien on June 19, 1949, in Dalton. They moved to Austin in 1969 where Jerry worked as a federal meat inspector at Hormel. Following a disability, he went to Albert Lea Vo-Tech and received a mechanical drafting degree. They moved to Waseca in 1984 and he was employed at the E.F. Johnson Co. until his retirement in the early 1990s. Jerry enjoyed spending time with family, woodworking, clocks, ski jumping, staying busy, camping, Sunday afternoon drives, and time at the computer. He was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Waseca.

He is survived by four children, Timothy (Trudy) Hanson of Loganville, GA, Lynette (Jim) Neus of Maple Grove, Gregory Hanson of Clifton, CO, and Deborah Hanson of Maple Grove; 13 grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Dorraine Woessner of Battle Lake; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Kaasa of Osakis; and one brother-in-law, Dennis Synstelien of Fergus Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one daughter, Nancy Varner; and one brother, Alonzo.

Visitation will be held at Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Waseca on Friday, May 20, 2016, from 4 to 7 p.m. and continue on Saturday, one hour before services at the church.

Funeral services will be held on at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2016, Christ the King Lutheran Church in Waseca with Rev. Cary Larson officiating. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. dennisfuneralhomes.com