Ann Hanson

Ann (Tradup) Hanson, a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and passionate community volunteer, passed away on July 11, 2025, at the age of 95. D. Annabelle, known to all as “Ann,” was born on October 10, 1929, in Faribault, Minnesota. She lived a beautiful life—filled with love, joy, and service to others.

Born and raised in Faribault, Minnesota, Ann was the second oldest in a family of five children. In 1947, she graduated from Faribault High School, where she was the editor of the yearbook and a stellar student, receiving an academic scholarship to attend the University of Minnesota. This was a rare accomplishment for a young girl at that time, and Ann was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend the university as a math major. She was elected to Student Council with the slogan “Step Up With Tradup”.

In October 1949, Ann met Elvin “Al” Hanson. Though like the song, Ann was “five foot two with eyes of blue,” and he was a six-foot-one, former U.S. Air Corps serviceman and college football player, the two very quickly discovered that they were excellent dance partners, especially with the popular dances of the Big Band Era. Soon, they also decided to become life partners as by December of that year, Al had proposed to Ann under the mistletoe at her dormitory. By January, they were wed in Webster, South Dakota.

They started their life together in Moorhead, Minnesota, Al pursuing his studies and playing football at Concordia College and Ann working as a bookkeeper. After completing their “college years” in Moorhead, the couple, now with two children in tow, moved to Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, where she took “the best job she ever had,” working for the Teamsters Union. However, her true passion was being a loving mother, homemaker, and an active member in her community. After a few years, the couple moved to Alexandria, Minnesota, bought their first home, and became part of the beloved community where they built a beautiful life together—creating lasting friendships and growing their family to a total of six children, five boys: Alan, Brad, Craig, Dayten, and Evan and one daughter: Sheri.

In 1974, Al received an excellent career opportunity, and the couple, along with their three youngest children, moved to Middletown, New Jersey, for two years. Next, they moved to Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, where they lived from 1976 to 1992. They again made many lasting friendships and built beautiful memories together.

Once Al retired, they immediately moved back to their favorite place—Alexandria. It was there that Ann continued to live out the rest of her days, enjoying time with her children, grandchildren, and eventually great-grandchildren. She loved welcoming friends and family into her home and was always ready for company with some freshly baked goodies and a pot of coffee that was ready to go. Ann also maintained a close relationship with her younger brother, Larry, who in later years she spoke with daily by phone.

Throughout her life, Ann exemplified kindness and a work ethic that inspired everyone around her. She volunteered her time generously, leading Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, contributing her talents at First Lutheran Church, serving on the boards of the Euterpean Club, Women’s Group, and the Concert Association, and engaging in an active social life—hosting card parties and family reunions. Ann’s commitment to her community led her to establish the Parkinson’s Support Group in Douglas County, a testament to her caring heart. She also led Monday night bingo at the Knute Nelson Home for decades. In honor of her endless contributions and her dedication to volunteerism, Ann was honored with the distinction of receiving a Jefferson Award for community service. This award is the United States’ highest and most prestigious honor for public service, honoring individuals who have made a difference through community and public service at both a national and local level.

Ann’s legacy is also sweetened by her reputation for creating the most delicious cakes, cookies, and treats that will be remembered at family gatherings for years to come.

Ann is survived by her children, who loved her dearly, Alan (Mary), Brad (Diane), Craig (Siegi), Dayten (Susie), Evan (Amy), and Sheri (John) Smith; her cherished grandchildren, Tom, Katie, Jonathan, Grant, Nic, Emily, Marcus, Chet, Torey, Christopher, Kelsey, Michael, Aidan, and Sarah; and 13 great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy. She also leaves behind her brother, Larry Tradup. Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elvin, her sister, Sue, and her brothers, John and Paul.

As we say goodbye to Ann, we remember her kindness, her fun-loving spirit, her generosity, and most importantly, her love—a true legacy that will live on in the hearts of everyone she encountered.

A Celebration of Ann’s Life will take place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 2pm at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, Minnesota. 

A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, and a reception will follow. 

Interment will be in Kinkead Cemetery.

The family asks that any donations made as a memorial to Ann be contributed to individual charities of choice. Some of Ann’s favorites were Parkinson’s research, the Eye Institute of Minnesota, and Hospice.