Hjalmer Hanson
September 12, 1937 – October 5, 2022
Hjalmer Mathews Hanson was born on September 12, 1937 in Tamarac, 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. He lived three years with the Roppes, helping them on the 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 & Stanley Cwikla Jr. 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 very many areas in Minnesota or surrounding states that he hadn’t pushed dirt, constructed ditches or built roads and 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 they purchased the farm where they lived and raised teir family. They started a small-scale farm with a 33 Massy Harris (which the family still has to this day). Living in the country was the ideal place for raising their family because of great neighbors and strong church ties.
He remained a proud International Union of Operating Engineers,–Local 49’ers. 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 US Flag with the utmost pride. He also served on Our Saviors Church and Como Town boards. Hjalmer also kept busy with seasonal dozer for Borg Farms. After retirement he kept busy helping Bradley Berg with farming.
“Mr. H” loved his coffee time with Ole McKeever and any others who stopped at the Co-op for a morning treat and a discussion about local and world events.
He loved it when his family would visit him at the job site and it gave him great joy to share his construction life-style 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, nepews 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 will be held at 2:00PM, Sunday, October 9, 2022 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at Thief Lake.
Visitation will be held after 5PM, Saturday, at Collins Funeral Chapel in Middle River with a Prayer service at 7PM. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to services at the church.
Interment services will follow at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church cemetery with military honors accorded by the Middle River American Legion and the Minnesota State Honor Guard.
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