Howard L. Hanson

Howard L. Hanson, 88 of Strum passed away peacefully on the evening of January 23, 2026 under the care of the Augusta Health and Rehabilitation center and Heartland Hospice.

Howard was born at home in Jackson County on May 13, 1937, the firstborn of Leonard and Perscilla (Goss) Hanson.

Howard was blessed with a sister Beverly. When he was seven and she was two, they moved to their father’s home farm. Beverly passed away on her third birthday. Losing his sister deeply affected Howard. In years to come, two brothers and another sister were added to his family.

After attending country schools, he attended Osseo High School for two years. He then chose to work on farms for people who needed a hired hand.

Howard met Ramona Halverson through some friends. They were united in marriage on April 28, 1956 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Strum. Six children were born into this union.

After they were married, Howard worked on farms for Roy Cox and Robert Haskins in the Augusta/Osseo area. About three years later, they moved to Strum. Howard worked for Doughboy Industries in Eleva for a year. In 1960, he began working at the Coop Feed Mill in Eleva. In 1964, he transferred to the Feed Mill in Strum and it was about this time that they moved a mile outside of town to a small “hobby farm” where they lived for over fifty years before moving to town. In 1973, he left mill work and started driving bus for the Eleva- Strum School District. Howard drove a morning and evening route for more than 40 years, providing transportation to and from school for multiple generations of students, in all kinds of weather.

Their “hobby farm” grew into a small dairy operation. There was no need for a “hired hand.” Ramona was his partner in farming too and their children grew to pitch in getting the farm and house chores done.

Howard was an active, long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Strum serving as an usher, Sunday School teacher, lay home communion server, and on council.

Howard is survived by his wife, Ramona; children, Wayne (Nancy) Hanson, Darrel (Kristine) Hanson, Dawn (Steve) Pederson, Rebecca (Thomas) Gerke, Linda (Jeffery) Leirmo and Glen (Wendy) Hanson. His legacy continues in the lives of his nineteen grandchildren, one step-grandchild, and 31 great grandchildren; brothers, Lamoine Hanson and Richard (Cindy) Hanson; sister, Marcella (Dennis) Larson; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dan (Pat) Halverson; a special uncle, Darrel Goss; and many other relatives.

Howard’s parents preceded him in death, along with his sister, Beverly; brother and sisters-in-law, Dennis and Ellen Halverson, Aaron Halverson, and Lu Hanson; and his parent-in-laws, Bert and Alma Halverson.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Strum. A Visitation will be held one hour prior to the time of service. A Visitation for Howard’s family and friends will also be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. You are welcome to honor Howard by wearing bib overalls, tractor apparel, or Eleva-Strum school attire.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made in Howard’s name to one of the following organizations: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Strum; Jamie and Lisa Halverson Mission Fund; Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA; Operation Smile, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Eleva-Strum Scholarship Fund.

Howard’s family would like to thank Heartland Hospice, Mayo Clinic Health System-Oakridge in Osseo, and the Augusta Health and Rehabilitation for their loving care. Although we do not know every name, we thank you all, especially his hospice nurses, Jason and Missy.

Arrangements entrusted to Talbot Family Funeral Home of Mondovi.