Willard HANSON

Notes:

Willard Hanson, 85, formerly of White Earth, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2017 at the Tioga Nursing Home.

Willard was born March 19, 1931 in White Earth, ND, the son of Harold and Esther (Ives) Hanson. Growing up, he attended a country school by White Earth. Willard met Edra Kuhlman through mutual friends. After a year and a half courtship, Willard received Art’s blessing and they were joined in marriage on January 4, 1953 in White Earth. Their first home is fondly remembered as the “honeymoon shack”. Due to the rustic conditions of the cabin and the extra neighbors (mice), they moved in with her parents two days later. They stayed there until the house that became their lifelong home was completed. With this union, they were blessed with two children, Beverly and Paul. Together Willard and Edra ranched and raised their family in the White Earth Valley. Even though their children’s lives on earth were short, Willard and Edra cherished every memory made with them.

Willard was very involved in the community of White Earth. He served on the Myrtle Township Board and was one of the first members of the White Earth Valley Saddle Club. He helped to organize the White Earth Rodeo in its early years. He enjoyed getting to know other cowboys from the state and looked forward to boarding horses for them. He loved giving wagon rides. Willard was a 64 year member of the ND Stockman’s Association.

Willard and Edra enjoyed organizing and helping with the White Earth Centennial celebration. He was fond of butchering for his friends and neighbors. He was always willing to help cook for a pig roast or barbeque. Most of the time it turned out perfect, but there was a rumor once that the pig tasted a lot like venison!

He will be remembered for his love of the White Earth Valley and the love of he had for the cowboy way of life. Willard spent his life doing what he loved, sitting on his deck visiting, enjoying the view of the valley and he especially enjoyed riding his horse and messing with his coulee cows.

Willard experienced many hardships and loss in his life, but he was a man that gained great faith from it. He knew the Lord was with him and trusted in His care.

He is survived by his sister, Arlene Westrum; brother, ElRoy (Diane) Hanson; sister-in-law, Mary (Albert) Western; numerous nieces, nephews and close friends.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Esther Hanson; wife, Edra; daughter, Beverly; son, Paul; sister-in-law, Lorree Lee.

Willard married Edra Jeanette KUHLMAN on 4 Jan 1953 in Mountrail County, North Dakota. Edra was born on 1 Oct 1934 in Mountrail County, North Dakota; died on 16 Feb 2015 in Mountrail County, North Dakota; was buried in Norman Lutheran Cemetery, White Earth, Mountrail County, North Dakota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]