Luella E. Hanson

Luella (Lu) Hanson, Bismarck, died in the early morning of Good Friday, April 14, 2017 at the Baptist Health Care Center. A graveside service will be June 5, 2017 at 12:00 noon at the ND Veteran's Cemetery followed by a remembrance lunch at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Remembering Lu is easy to do. Getting to know her would take a lifetime as she was 94 years, 1 month of age. She was the third child born to Frank T. and Florence Johnson on March 16, 1923. As we know, the middle child becomes the caregiver, and that is who she was- caregiver to her family, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. She was a private person putting everyone ahead of her own needs, giving of her time and talents, and never drawing attention to herself. She was honored for her 20 years of service to the food pantry, provided years of blood donations, was active in her church, and volunteered as "grandma" at a day care. One of her biggest challenges was the last 8 years of her life when she slowly faded away from all that was dear to her. On October 12, 1945 she married LeRoy B. Hanson in Valley City, ND after he returned from serving in WW II. Although she spent time as a telephone operator, once they started a family, she became a dedicated mom, talented seamstress, and homemaker. She did all the things that a special mom of that era did for her three children - David, Marilyn and Glenn. Remembering mom is easy. Remembering Grandma Hanson is easy. Her grandchildren, Tera and Kirby, share that grandma was very giving and loving of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She interacted with them through Christmas baking, camping, sewing, taking them to help at the emergency food pantry, supporting them by attending their activities and helping with daycare. Remembering great-grandma Lu is easy. Spending time watching her three great-grandchildren brought her great joy. They remember her eating watermelon with them on the front steps, her garden, playing board games, holding them on her lap, going to the playground, and always being cheerful and in good spirits, optimistic, and sympathetic. Continuing on are her eldest son David and his wife Gerry, Helena, Mt.; her daughter Marilyn and husband Leon Kleingartner, South Dakota; grandchildren, Tera Bartholomy, Bismarck, and Kirby Kleingartner, Minot; great-grandchildren Bosten, Camrie, and Irelynd Bartholomy. She leaves one older sister along with special "Johnson" sisters-in-laws, nieces and nephews. She joins her husband LeRoy; youngest son, Glenn; three brothers; special niece Tammy; and nephew Billy. We are so appreciative of the staff at the Baptist Health Care Center for providing mom - Lu with the blue eyes - with kindness, comfort, friendship, and continuing dignity during her stay with them.