Dick Hanson

Dick Hanson achieved the pinnacle of his life's service to Christ at 3:14am on Tuesday, June 21, when he was welcomed into heaven.  At the time of his death, he was wearing a T-shirt that read "Make a Difference", which couldn't have been more appropriate because Dick Hanson made a difference in the world, and to everyone who knew him.

Dick was preceded in death by the love of his life, Diane Hanson (deceased 2019), his wife of almost 54 years.  He is succeeded by his two children, Mary and DJ (partner, John Sideris) and his four grandchildren, Paige (30), Blake (30), Isaac (17) and Asher (14). He is also preceded in death by his parents Verdell (deceased 1985) and Gail (deceased 2008).

Dick Hanson was a man of deep and enduring faith.  He spent every Sunday at Eagle Brook church, with his daughter Mary at his side.  The music and the message moved him to select to do an Adult Baptism to reaffirm Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Dick's passion for the Word of God will be his legacy, through all of his students in his highly attended Bible Study Classes, that grew and grew over the years.

His was a life of adventure.  He served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War, ending as a First Lieutenant. During this time he was a navigator on The Douglas C-133, an American turboprop cargo aircraft carrier. There was always the debate between the pilot and navigator as who was more important! It was at the base where he met his wife, Diane... married in 1965 after only 6 weeks of dating.

His 38-year career at 3M was a storied one, where he directed sales teams and traveled the world.  His career was capped off with him leading the 3m Foundation where his good work resulted in him becoming "Citizen of the Year."  But it was during his retirement that the adventure truly began.  He and Diane were true nomads, navigating the country on their beloved boat, Souvenir or in their 40-ft RV.  He was able to travel with his son, DJ, to all 7 continents (including Antarctica!).  But what will define Dick Hanson's life was his dedication to the service of others. Whether it was his work with the Woodbury Community Foundation; his mentorship of at-risk youth, and recently-released, reformed inmates; or his Bible Study classes, Dick always had time to give... from the heart, and for the very pure benefit of those in need.

Dick Hanson made a huge mark on this world.  And all those who knew him will be his legacy by trying to emulate the good work he did here on earth.

Please join us to celebrate this Great Man!  Services will be held on Friday, June 24 at:

Woodbury Lutheran Church
7380 Afton Road
Woodbury, MN  55125
Visitation 1:00-3:00pm
Service at 3:00pm