Arleene Hanson

Arleene Genevra Brakken was born May 6, 1928 in Alexandria, MN to Archie and Mabel (Forsberg) Brakken. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

She was raised and attended school in Alexandria. While attending Central High School she met the handsome, young John M. Hanson. Following their graduation from high school, John joined the military service. Arleene moved to the Twin Cities where she met many friends and enjoyed attending the University of Minnesota, and later the Minnesota School of Business.

After John returned from the military the two were united in marriage on September 17, 1949. They continued to live in Alexandria where their three children were born. The family moved to Ortonville, MN in 1960 and returned to Alexandria in 1976. John passed away in 1997 and Arleene remained in Alexandria.

Throughout the years, Arleene and John enjoyed many social activities including bridge and golf. Arleene was a sports fan who liked to watch Twins baseball, and Vikings and Gophers football. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, playing gin rummy, and keeping her flowers in the yard looking beautiful. She loved visiting with her children and grandchildren. Those who knew her will remember her fiery red hair, her laugh, and how she cracked her gum! Arleene was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church where she participated as a circle member and spent many years calling on workers for funerals. She also volunteered her time through the Jaycees while in Alexandria and Ortonville.

On November 5, 2021 Arlene passed away at Alomere Hospital at the age of ninety-three years. Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, John Hanson; and granddaughter, Rachel Trandahl. Surviving are her children, Brad (Sandy) Hanson, Camille (Ron) Trandahl and Randy (Carole Durand) Hanson; grandchildren, Sarah (Eric) Rosenquist, Steven (Miranda Brown) Trandahl, Hannah (Ian) Ingebretsen, Elias (Emma Robertson) Hanson, Ben (Lindsey) Erie, Rachel Erie, Jeremi (Julia) Smith, Sheila (Steve) Unzen and Justin (Michelle) Smith; several great-grandchildren; and one great- great-grandchild.

A Memorial service will be held at 3 PM Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Reverend Hans Dahl officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria.

Memorials preferred to Calvary Lutheran Church, Alexandria or Bethany on the Lake, Alexandria.