Elaine Joy Hanson, 92, a long-time resident of Owatonna, died Monday, September 23, 2019 at Columbine West Health and Rehab Facility in Colorado.
Elaine was born May 20, 1927 in Chamberlain, South Dakota, the daughter of Clarence and Anna Havlik. She graduated from Ellendale High School in 1945. She married Kenneth Hanson on May 20, 1945 at Zion Lutheran Church. The couple farmed near Ellendale for 22 years before moving to Owatonna in 1964.
Elaine worked at Josten’s and later retired from Wenger Corporation. She was the epitome of what an executive secretary exemplified to Wenger Corporation executives.
Elaine and Ken built four different houses in Owatonna. Elaine loved decorating as was apparent by the beautiful interior finishes in each of her homes. She felt that Owatonna was the greatest place to live.
She loved all her friends in Owatonna and the surrounding towns and enjoyed all the fun activities involved in those friendships. Elaine and Ken thoroughly enjoyed their social relationships with other couples in the community and at their church. She is most remembered for her beautiful smile, sparkling blue eyes and great personality.
As her health deteriorated, she moved from Countryside Senior Living to Colorado in February of 2018 to be close to her daughter and son-in-law. She dearly missed Minnesota and all of her dear friends there.
Elaine is survived by her daughter, Lynn and son-in-law, John Suess in Colorado; grandchildren, Dion Hanson, Desiree Getner, Ryan Hanson and Dustin Hanson; great-grandchildren, Cress, Ridge and Drake Hanson and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth who passed in 2015; son, Dean and parents Clarence and Anna Havlik.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, October 19, at 11:30 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at 1909 St. Paul Road with The Reverend John Weisenburger officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorials preferred to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.