Steve Hanson

Steve Hanson, age 66, of Strandburg, SD, formerly of Minneapolis, MN, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2021, at Sanford Health Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Tabor Lutheran Church in Strandburg, SD. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank. Pastor Elmer Brinkman will officiate the service and interment will be in Tabor Lutheran Cemetery.

Steven C. Hanson was born in Minneapolis, MN, on June 24, 1955.  He was the seventh child in a household filled with activity and warmth. He was the “rug rat”, the one they could play with and toss around.

Early in life he lost his father. His siblings were busy helping with their father’s roofing business while he assumed a long chore list to help his mother while she took on three jobs to pay the bills. Steve quickly learned how to balance responsibility with fun as a teenager, and although his mother said Steve never caused her any problems, we have laughed about the details she so kindly forgot.

It was during one high school summer, when Steve was excited to just “hang out with friends”, that his mom pushed him to take a job involving Printed Circuits. This led to a 40-year career in Printed Circuits for Steve because when he graduated high school (Roosevelt ’73) and decided not to go to college, his mom sold the house and moved into a much more affordable apartment.

Steve formed a tight group of friends who remained friends to the end, some friendships spanning over 50 years.  In younger days, they partied; as time continued, they camped and fished. Family introduced him to fishing, and friends introduced him to Lake of the Woods.  In 1982, he bought his first boat, later a camper, and eventually a cabin on the Northwest Angle of Lake of the Woods. This quickly became his favorite place.

Over the years, he suffered the loss of his father, mother, brother, and friends. Throughout all that life threw at him, Steve was always a strong, dependable, and loving friend. He was someone who always had your back, energy to get things done, and the skills to be helpful. 

As a husband, he was more then you could ever hope for – loving, kind, fun, understanding, and supportive.

On December 2, 2021, Steve passed away from cancer. Steve was a great man. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure to meet him.

Steven C. Hanson is survived by his wife, Lorene; son, Eric Diamond; daughter, Alyssa Diamond (Mick Diem); son, David Diamond; granddaughter, Addison Diem; sister, Sharon Mitchell; sister, Marlys (Paul) Winkelman; brother, Brian (Barb) Hanson; brother, Richard Hanson; sister, Barb (Dan) Lockler; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Arthur and Hazel Hanson; sister, Mary Hanson; brother, Tom Hanson; sister-in-law, Judy Hanson; brother-in-law, Art Mitchell; and in-laws, Wilbur and Marlys Johnson