Hanson Walter M. Hanson. Born October 17, 1913 in Pope County, MN and passed peacefully into God's care at home with family on March 20, 2003 at age 89. Walter was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Irene V.; his parents, Rose M. and Sam O.; his sisters, Florence I. and Violet G., and granddaughter, Julie E. Hale. He is survived by daughters, Carrie R. Mitsch (John), Nancy E. Hale (Thomas); son, John P. Hanson; seven grandsons, two granddaughters, thirteen great-grandchildren, and many wonderful friends and neighbors. A resident of Brooten, MN, Walter married Irene V. Sanders in 1940 and operated a service station there until World War II. The family moved to Minneapolis, where he became employed as a machinist for Northern Pump Co. After the war, Walter went to work int he downtown mill of General Mills for twenty years. He did machinist work at Tobin/Arp Co. and Napco Industries until his retirement. At that point, he started Walt's Service, a small engine repair business out of his garage and became more involved in volunteer projects at Calvary Lutheran Church. His family was his heart and soul and he enjoyed many years of travel and companionship with them and good friends. He was skilled in all things mechanical, grew beautiful roses and loved a good polka. Walter's legendary sense of humor and conversation, joined with his love and gentle nature will be with us always. May God bless his memory. Visitation will be Sunday, Mar. 23 from 3-5 pm at Werness Brothers Chapel, 3500 W. 50th St., Mpls. Funeral service will be Monday, Mar. 24 at 11 am, with visitation beginning at 10:30 am at Calvary Lutheran Church, 3901 Chicago Ave S., Mpls. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery, Mpls. WERNESS BROTHERS 612-927-8641