Douglas Richard Hanson, 81, of Turtle Lake, ND, passed away from a brief battle with cancer in the Swing Bed Unit of the CHI St. Alexius Hospital in Turtle Lake, ND on April 24, 2020. Doug will be laid to rest at a private family service at the ND Veteran's Cemetery rural Mandan, ND on Friday, May 1, 2020 at 2:00 PM. Military rites will be provided by the Turtle Lake American Legion Post #133 and the ND National Guard. A celebration of life will be held at a later date !

Doug was born on January 15, 1939 in Carrington, ND, to Leonard and Ruby (Forsberg) Hanson. He spent his early years in Washburn, West Fargo and Turtle Lake, ND. Doug graduated from Turtle Lake High School in 1958. He joined the Army Reserves during his senior year of high school. After high school Doug worked for Eddy's Bakery and drove bread routes in Minot, ND and Glendive MT. Doug chose to go active duty with the Army in 1961 and was stationed in Heidelberg, West Germany. While in Heidelberg, Doug met Karin Weidlich. They married on November 20, 1964. Doug packed up his bride and they moved to Turtle Lake in January, 1965, where Doug joined his dad in the family insurance business, Hanson Insurance Agency. Doug and Karin spent their married life in Turtle Lake, raising three kids and taking over the insurance business before Leonard's death in 1976. Doug was named manager of McLean-McHenry Insurance Company, and served in that capacity until retiring from the insurance business in June of 2005.

Doug was a member of the Turtle Lake American Legion Post 133 for 50 years. He served in multiple positions, including serving as the Post Commander. Some of Doug's most memorable times were spent with his legion buddies. During his adult life Doug was active in the Turtle Lake community and was a member of the Lion's Club, Turtle Lake Fire Department, he was a charter member of the Turtle Lake Ambulance and was an active member of the Commercial Club. He served on the Turtle Lake City Commission and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. Doug was a lifelong member of the Turtle Lake United Methodist Church.

Doug will be remembered by his family and friends for his kindness, generosity, and selflessness. His wise advice and quick wit were an added bonus. To his family he was a voice of logic and a source of endless support and guidance. He was an example of good character and taught his lessons through his actions more than his words.

Doug is survived by his wife of 55 years, Karin; his two daughters, Karna (Shannon) Johnson and their three sons, Matthew (Amanda), Ian, Alex (Angie) Johnson; Corinna Hanson all from the Fargo area, and one son, Chuck (Virginia) Hanson of Pierre, SD and their three daughters, Paige, Hailey, and Hannah. He also has three great-grandchildren, McKenna, Wren and Tucker.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Turtle Lake American Legion Post 133, or the St. Alexius Memorial Hospital Swing Bed in Turtle Lake, ND.