Edward Lawrence Hanson, age 90 of Baldwin, died on Friday, September 11th, 2015 at the Baldwin Area Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.  ‘Ed’ was born on August 15, 1925 in Red Wing, Minnesota; the son of Christ and Emma (Krause) Hanson. He grew up on his parent’s farm south of Baldwin and attended Woodside Country School.  Ed was united in marriage to Phyllis Lorraine Hull on July 15, 1950 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baldwin. They were blessed with seven children that they raised on their dairy farm north of Baldwin.

Ed was a hardworking farmer and family man who was well-known for his kindness, generosity and impeccable character.  He touched many hearts in the way he cared for his family, friends, neighbors and community.  His daily life on the farm with Phyllis fulfilled him and together they left a remarkable legacy as faithful servants of God.  Ed seldom missed an opportunity to offer his help, sharing whatever he had, however he could, whether he knew you or not. 

Ed had a passion for horses and farmed with them for many years before switching over to tractors only to change back to the “old fashioned way” again before retiring.  He participated in numerous hitch classes at the county fair and, with Phyllis at his side often drove his teams in parades and other events.  He enjoyed hitching his teams and taking his family on wagon and sleigh rides.  He especially loved sharing his love of horses with his grandchildren and leaves each of them with many fond childhood memories.  Without a doubt, Ed was content and at peace whenever he had a set of reins in his hands. 

Ed enjoyed a simple life spending time with Phyllis and his family, attending church and community events, visiting and playing 500 with friends, watching old westerns, attending horse pulls and of course “horse-talk” with other horsemen.  He loved basic home-cooked meals especially those prepared by Phyllis and thoroughly enjoyed an abundance of lemon treats and desserts. Ed was a longtime member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church and loved and supported his church family. 

Ed’s warm smile, genuine greeting, great laugh, fun sense of humor, delightful singing and unique words will certainly be missed by all who loved him.

Ed lived and died with God in his heart.  As death drew near and he struggled near the end of his earthly life he recited the Lord’s Prayer with extraordinary power and conviction, leaving his family comforted by his last testimony of faith.  They rejoice that he now rests with God in heaven and is eternally united with his beloved Phyllis.

Ed is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Phyllis, who died just five months prior; infant son, Philip, infant grandson, Todd; parents, Christ and Emma (Krause) Hanson; parents-in-law Louis and Petra (Falkenborg) Hull; siblings, Helen Barringer, Margaret Landaal, Herman Hanson, Raymond Hanson; and brothers in-law, George Barringer, Wilbert Landaal, John “Ed” Larson and Leon Holle. 

Ed will forever remain in the hearts of his children, Lee (Janet) Hanson of Baldwin, Byron (Cathy) Hanson of Cannon Falls MN, David (Karen) Hanson of Baldwin, Bob (Pam) Hanson of Spring Valley, Peggy (Rollie) Smith of Baldwin, Amy Hanson (Brad Boldt) of Baldwin and Mary Hanson (Nick Marien) of Woodville; grandchildren, Dana (Jim), Laura, Julie, Daniel, Douglas, Emily, Bridget (Brian), Hannah (Josh), Kyle, Abby (Kyle), and Jason; great-grandsons, Aiden and Calvin; siblings, Eleanor “Toots” Holle, Florence Larson, Stanley “Dip” (Carolyn) Hanson; brother-in-law Louis (Jane Ann) Hull, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends and neighbors. 

Funeral Services for Ed will be at 11:00am on Wednesday, September 16th at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 1350 Florence Street, Baldwin. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church, and also from 4:00-8:00pm on Tuesday September 15th at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton Street, Baldwin. Interment will be in the Baldwin Cemetery.