Mary Jean Hanson

Mary Jean Hanson, 93, Bismarck, passed away April 23, 2024.

Mary Jean was born June 18, 1930 to Allen and Irma (Montgomery) Benson in Lake Andes, South Dakota and raised in nearby Ravinia along with her younger sister, Margaret. She graduated from Ravinia High School with honors in spite of the fact that both parents were in poor health and needed assistance.

She then attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls and received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. While there she sang in radio/chapel choir, played volleyball and worked various jobs.

On August 24, 1952 Mary Jean married Wilfred Hanson (they met in college choir) at East Lake Andes Lutheran Church in rural Wagner, South Dakota. To this union five children were born. As the wife of a rural North Dakota pastor in several small towns she played various roles such as church secretary, organist, soloist for many weddings and funerals, Sunday school, etc. In addition, she held the position of school secretary for more than 20 years in Esmond until retiring and moving to Bismarck.

In retirement Mary Jean was active in Sons of Norway where she sang in the choir and joined needlework groups. She volunteered through Central Dakota Optimist Club, R.S.V.P. and Buckstop Junction; also knitting caps for newborns and quilting for church groups was her passion. She always kept herself busy and loved singing in the church choir up until the last few months.

Mary Jean is survived by her children, Dean (Renee) Hanson, Naomi (David) Payer, Sandra (Jay) Cofell, and Paul (Pamela) Hanson; grandchildren, Aaron (Cas), Jesse (Jessica), Eric (Shekae), and Adam (Chelsey) Hanson, Joyce and Grace Payer, Jayson (Amber) and Ryan Cofell; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilfred; daughter, Joyce; her parents, Allen and Irma Benson; and sister, Margaret (Jim) Bradley.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 30 at First Lutheran Church, Bismarck. To view Mary Jean's funeral recording, click here.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 7 p.m.

Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.