Peter A. Hanson, 65, of River Falls, WI, died on Sunday, June 28, 2020, from complications of Parkinson’s disease, at Comforts of Home – The Gardens, with family and caregivers at his side.

Peter was born April 10, 1955 and raised on the family’s Century farm in River Falls.  Peter attended the J. H. Ames elementary and middle school on the campus of the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, and graduated from the River Falls High School.  He furthered his agriculture education, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison farming short course, then returned to the farm to join his parents in farming the Hanson Oakdale Farm.   Peter was a successful lifelong farmer, committed to the care of the dairy herd and the nurture of the land.  He was a firm believer in the unquestionable value of the farmer’s role in today’s complex world, knowing that if one takes care of the farmland, the farmland will take care of many.  Peter was the fourth-generation farmer to own the Hanson farm and was pleased to mentor his nephew as he became the fifth-generation farmer on this beautiful 119-year-old farm. Peter was an accomplished farm mechanic and welder and was passionate about his Ford tractors and his antique Allis-Chalmers tractor.  He loved family, and his border collies.

Peter persevered with the relentless challenge of Parkinson’s disease for the past 27 years.  He was an inspiration in how to deal with a hardship.

Those Peter leaves behind to cherish his memory include his brothers Charley, Paul (LeAnn), sister Siri (Greg Smith), nephews Travis (Jenni) Teigen, Brian Teigen, Cole (Alison) Hanson, niece Shelby (Mike Hagene) Hanson, great nephews Oslo, Odin, Sigurd, Wyatt.

Peter is preceded in death by his sister Kristi Teigen, and his parents C. Edward and Betty Hanson.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Caregivers and staff at Comforts of Home – The Gardens, River Falls, for their compassion and sensitive care of Peter.

A private family memorial gathering will be held.

It is Peter’s wish that memorials be directed to:

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777.  Or online at: michaeljfox.org

and

The River Falls FFA (Future Farmers of America), 818 Cemetery Rd., River Falls, WI 54022

Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls. 715-425-5644