Hjalmer Hanson
Hjalmer Mathews Hanson was born on September 12, 1937, in Tamarac Township, Stephen, MN, to Hjalmer & Mildred (Kalishko) Hanson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He attended school in Middle River and Gatzke. On February 28, 1959, he married Patricia (Berg). They had 5 children: Dale, Harlyn, Diane, Rory and Tarayn.
As a youth, he worked for local farmers, the Mobergs and WC Searle. For three years he also lived with the Roppes and helped them on their farm.
Hjalmer enlisted in the US Army where he served his country with pride, completing his tour with an honorable discharge. One of his favorite military missions was his tour in Alaska. Coincidentally, he met a couple of Middle River military neighbors, Henry Bukowski and Stanley Cwikla Jr. while there. Being a heavy equipment operator remained his passion and carried him throughout his future with his first construction jobs with Benson’s in Stephen, MN.
There aren’t many areas in Minnesota or the surrounding states where he hadn’t pushed dirt, constructed ditches, or built roads, railways, etc.
He also worked in Nebraska for a short period of time with DH Blattner.
Upon his return to Minnesota, he continued his employment with Blattner’s for a total of 27 years under a special foreman and friend, Roland Weik. Roland commented about Hjalmer, “You gave him a job and he got it done!”
Some of his favorite topics are Dozer Dude, John Deere, Chevrolet trucks and of course, his family and friends!
In 1963 Hjalmer and Pat purchased the farm where they lived and raised their family. They started a small-scale farm with a Massey-Harris 33—which the family still has to this day. Living in the country was the ideal place for raising their family because of the great neighbors and strong church ties.
Hjalmer remained a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers—the Local 49ers. He was a dedicated veteran for American Legion Post 444 in Middle River where he served on the Color/Honor Guard for many years carrying the United States flag with the utmost pride.
He also served on the Our Savior’s Church and Como Town boards. Hjalmer also kept busy with seasonal dozer work for Borg Farms. After retirement he kept himself busy helping Bradley Berg with farming.
“Mr. H” loved his coffee time with Ole McKeever and anyone else who stopped by the Co-op for a morning treat and discussion about local and world events.
He loved it when his family would visit him at the job site, and it gave him joy to share his construction lifestyle with them. As Hjalmer often said, “I love my farm.” He loved it when his family would visit him and “Mrs. H” and enjoy the farm life!
Hjalmer is survived by his wife Pat, sons: Dale, Harlyn (Traci) and Rory (Kerry); daughters, Diane & Tarayn; Grandchildren: Cody, Jaron, Kyler, Jagar, Braydon, Hali, Payton, Hunter, and Brendan; Sister Karyl (Tom) Cooper, and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Barbara & Margaret, and brother John.
Hjalmer passed away on Wednesday, October 5th, 2022, surrounded by family. He was 85 years old.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, October 9, 2022, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Thief Lake with Pastor Linda Anderson officiating. Hjalmer’s Casket Bearers were his grandchildren: Cody, Jaron, Kyler, Jagar, Braydon, Hali, Payton, Hunter & Brendan. Honorary Bearers were his nieces and nephews. Special music was provided by Howard Hodne and Randy Larson. Visitation was held after 5PM, Saturday, at Collins Funeral Chapel of Middle River and also one hour prior to services at the church. Interment services were held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church cemetery following services with military honors accorded by the Middle River American Legion and the MN National Guard. “Taps” was provided by Max Utter.
Arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Middle River, MN. An online guestbook is available at www.collinsfunerals.com