Richard ‘Dick’ Allen Hanson

Richard ‘Dick’ Allen Hanson
October 12, 1940 • July 8, 2024

Richard “Dick” Allen Hanson, 83, of Glenwood, Minnesota (formerly of Benson) died Monday evening, July 8, 2024, at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 18, 2024, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday, July 19, at the church from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the St. Malachy Catholic Church Cemetery in Clontarf.
Richard “Dick” Allen Hanson was born October 12, 1940, in Benson, the son of Clarence “Kelly” and Lillian Hanson. He was raised in the Lutheran faith as a member of Our Redeemer’s Church in Benson before converting to Catholicism and joining St. Francis Church (St. Isadore the Farmer) as an adult. Dick attended Benson schools and graduated from Benson High School in 1958 and attended Augsburg College until a serious car accident in 1962. Dick then enrolled in chiropractic college at Logan University in St. Louis, Missouri. Following graduation, he worked briefly in St. Cloud before beginning a successful chiropractic career both in Benson and Morris.
July 1, 1967, Dick was united in marriage to Colette Hornstein at Little Flower Church in Rugby, North Dakota. Dick’s sister Carole and Colette were new teachers and roommates in Brainerd when Dick came to visit. A year later, they were engaged. This union was blessed with over 57 years of marriage and three sons. In addition to his chiropractic practice, Dick was also involved in farming, was a Swift County Commissioner for many years, and a farm mortgage lender. Community and church involvement were important to Dick. He was a member of Kiwanis and on several local boards including District 777 Schools, CVEC, Benson Hospital and Swift County DAC. He was a committed special needs supporter, a youth sports coach, and a frequent lector at St. Francis Church. His wide variety of interests also included his hobbies. He loved the outdoors and especially loved to fish, hunt, or be near any body of water. Dick was a pilot, sailor, boater, classic car and motorcycle enthusiast, and world traveler. He was a dedicated Minnesota sports fan – all the sports – and loved to discuss and watch each season with his boys and grandchildren. Dick especially loved spending time with his six grandchildren, attending their activities, playing cards, and listening to their stories. He was an excellent listener and storyteller, and his laugh was contagious. Above all, Dick was always willing to try, explore, and learn new things and encouraged his children and grandchildren to do the same.
Dick was called from this life July 8, 2024, at the age of 83, at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife, Colette Hanson of Glenwood (formally of Clontarf); his sons: Mike Hanson of Benson, MN, Eric (Theresa) Hanson of Rochester, MN, and Dan (Stacy) Hanson of Woodbury, MN; his six grandchildren: Thomas Hanson of Minneapolis, MN, Andrew Hanson of Ankeny, IA, Maria Hanson of Rochester, MN, and Abby, Ben and Will Hanson of Woodbury, MN; his sister Kathy Christesen of Blaine, MN; his cousins, in-laws, many beloved nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.  He was preceded in death by an infant daughter Jana Colette, his parents Kelly and Lillian Hanson, his parents-in-law Pete and Agatha Hornstein, his sister Carole Matthiesen, his brother Roger Hanson, and brothers-in-law: Rick Gulstad, B.R. Hornstein and Dave Christesen. Blessed be his memory.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to:  Swift County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC); 2105 Minnesota Ave., Benson, MN  56215.
   Arrangements are with the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson.