Jerry Hanson

Jerry Hanson, 83, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on July 9, 2026.

A funeral service will be Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 11:00AM at Lutheran Church of the Cross. Visitation will be at the Bismarck Funeral Home on Monday from 6-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM.

Jerry was born to Steve and Ethel (Olson) Hanson. He grew up south of Bucyrus, North Dakota, on the farm of his grandfather, John N. Olson. He attended grade school in Bucyrus and graduated from Hettinger High School in 1961. During his summers, he worked alongside his stepfather, George Halvorson, in construction and grain elevator repair.

Jerry continued his education at North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, earning a degree in Building Construction Technology. Upon graduation, he was hired by the North Dakota Department of Transportation, where he dedicated 40 years of service before retiring. Several highways throughout North Dakota were built from his designs, reflecting the lasting impact of his work.

On January 2, 1965, Jerry married Barbara Ann Johnson of Ray, North Dakota. Together they made their home in Bismarck, where they raised three children: Tissa, Mike, and Kara. They loved to travel on trips one or two times a year to Coeur d’Alene Idaho to visit Barb’s parents as well as sisters and brothers - in- law families. Barb passed away on July 2, 2000.

On December 28, 2001, Jerry married Patricia Kennedy, and together they built a happy life filled with family, friends, and shared interests.

Jerry found great satisfaction in woodworking, crafting beautiful cabinets and furniture. He and Patty enjoyed spending time together in their backyard and playing cards with friends. They cherished their retirement years. Jerry was most at home in his workshop, but he also enjoyed traveling with Patty, especially visiting Barb's family in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Patty's daughter in Alaska; and taking a memorable trip to Norway with his sister Patty and brother-in-law, Norlyn Swenson.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Patty Hanson; his daughter, Tissa (Kevin) John of Mandan; his son, Mike Hanson of Fargo; and his daughter, Kara Hanson of Lincoln, and former son-in-law, Al Dauenhauer (Joann Bienek). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Chase Dauenhauer (Shannon Knutson), Justin (Melissa) Dauenhauer, Sierra (Cody) Fipps, Alex Dauenhauer (Shay Engel), Morgan Hanson, Gabe Herrera, Katlyn Hanson (Aldin Seckanovic), and Keityn Hanson. Jerry was also blessed with 20 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by Patty's children, Kim (Paul) Soderholm and Molly (Ken) Traynor; and by Patty’s grandchildren, Anna Soderholm (Brady Dukart), Jay Soderholm, Britta Soderholm, Marin Traynor, Keelin Traynor, and Nora Traynor as well as Patty’s sister Jeri Mutcher.

Jerry is further survived by his sisters, Cheryl Bormet, Patty (Norlyn) Swenson, JoAnn Bennett, and Cissie Cassidy; as well as Barbara's sisters, Karen Ouren and Kathy (Mike) Hlebichuk. He made great memories together, also spending much of his entire life with his two best friends, Wayne (Barb) Hokenson and Ted (Shari) Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel (Olson) Halverson and Steve Hanson; his stepfather, George Halvorson; his wife, Barbara Hanson; his brothers, Bruce Hanson, Vic Hanson, David Hanson, Eddie Hanson and Curt Hanson; his sister, Dolores Halvorson, his brothers-in-law, Ron Ouren, Dan Johnson and Gordon Mutcher and Patty’s son, Scott Kennedy.

Jerry will be remembered for his quiet nature, strong work ethic, skilled craftsmanship, and the love he shared with his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the roads he helped build, the furniture he crafted with care, and the many lives he touched throughout his years.