David Hanson
David Hanson, 64, of Benson, Minnesota died at his home under the care of hospice Thursday, October 22, 2026. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Friday October 30, 2026, at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Benson, followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Lake Hazel Cemetery.
David Neal Hanson, son of Derald and Harriet (Grann) Hanson, was born October 28, 1961, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He attended Benson High School and later Ridgewater College. Growing up, Dave worked on his parents' farm, participated in FFA and the 4-H Eager Beavers, and found plenty of time to get into trouble with his friends.
Dave later purchased his own farm near Benson, just a few miles from his parents' farm, where he would raise his family and spend much of his life. Over the years, Dave was a farmer, bison rancher, mason and bricklayer, and part owner of the Water's Edge bar.
August 11, 1990, Dave married Kimberly Antoinette (Jacobson) Hanson. Together they raised their three children, Jacob, Samuel, and Jacquelyn, on the farm. Dave and Kim brought different strengths to their family. Kim was smart, caring, and affectionate and emphasized academics and good behavior. Dave taught his children the value of hard work, responsibility, and doing things the right way.
After Kim passed away in 2006, Dave continued raising their children, then ages 14, 12, and 5, with the support of family, friends, and neighbors. For Dave, being there for his children was simply part of being their dad. He worked hard to provide for them and was always there to support them, attending their games, activities, and events, including more than a few that probably weren't his first choice.
If something needed to be done, Dave would do it. He was hardworking, resilient, innovative, and always seemed to have another project to tackle or another job for his kids when they were home. Sam eventually took over the farm, but Dave never stopped keeping a close eye on how things were being done.
Dave had a great sense of humor, loved telling stories, had a well-known sweet tooth, and loved his dogs. He enjoyed hunting, camping, time at the cabin, pontooning, checking on the crops, and trips to Mexico with family and friends. He attended several WE Fests, including the first, and enjoyed games of all kinds, from bean bags and chess to board games. Playing cards was a favorite, especially a good game of Buck.
Dave lived with progressive supranuclear palsy for nearly eight years, exceeding the typical life expectancy for those diagnosed with PSP. As the disease progressed, it increasingly limited his ability to do many of the things he loved. With the support of family, friends, and caregivers, Dave remained at the farm he loved until his death October 22, 2026, at age 64.
Dave is survived by his children: Jacob Hanson (Cassandra Borlaug), Samuel (Tyler Ann) Hanson, and Jacquelyn Hanson (Garrett Levin); brother, Brad (Jean) Hanson; mother-in-law, Myrna Jacobson; aunt and godmother, Sandra Hanson; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other in-laws; and his special canine companion, Bonnie.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kimberly; parents, Derald and Harriet; niece, Maria Hanson; father-in-law, Alvin Jacobson; uncle and godfather, Caren Hanson; and other aunts and uncles.
Dave's family extends a special thank you to "Dave's Crew," his PCA care staff at the farm, as well as Andrea Hines, Darrel and Lisa Olson, Brent Hanson, and Rob Hanson, for their care, friendship, and support over the years.
Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.
