Margaret Marie Hanson

Margaret Marie (Grebner) Hanson joined her Valentine for their eternal date on Friday, February 14, 2020 at the age of 90.  At the time of her passing, she continued to reside in Guckeen, Minnesota, with the loving care of her son, Peter.

Margaret was born, the third of six children, December 24, 1929 in Faribault, Minnesota to Margaret Loretta (Kennedy) and Franz Joseph Grebner.

Margaret spent her childhood in Faribault where she attended Catholic school.  She attended St. Benedict’s college in St. Joseph where she met the love of her life, Thomas Hanson. They were married June 5th, 1951 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Faribault, MN.  They went on to raise their 12 children in Faribault, MN, Pickstown, SD and Guckeen, MN. 

Coming of age during the depression Margaret learned many skills that would become invaluable for raising her children.  She gracefully demonstrated to her kids the value of everything.  She was a seamstress, caregiver to injured and sick children, mess cook for an army of Hansons, a lifelong crafter, and shared her talents through quilts, knitting, crafts, and Christmas ornaments. Many grandchildren held toys made by Grandma close to their hearts. Margaret was the patient, quiet, caring and supportive mother to Kris Hanson (Ted Witt), Adrian (Kay), Carrie McNea, Peter, Gregory (Sharon), John (Susie Milless) David (Patti), Monica Wickelgren (Steven), Mary Skaar (Kent), Andrew (Kristi), and Dan (Kimberly Carr): 36 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her husband Tom, son Paul, siblings Franz Joseph Jr., Leo, Dennis, Ruth Ann, and Mary Jane.

Margaret worked in Granada Huntley schools for many years as a teacher’s aide.

Margaret was the loving, quiet observer, and loved to listen, and always gave a nonjudgmental ear. She found joy in the garden, a stylish pair of shoes, a good crossword, was a prolific reader, and an avid member of the St. Peter and Paul Quilt Group. Margaret was the master of letting other people shine. She had a prideful smile when looking or talking about her family. Her giving heart will be missed. Margaret and Tom’s shared journey with Christ makes the goodbye easier.

Memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, February 18 from 1-2 pm and a Catholic Mass of Christian Burial at 2pm at St Paul and Peter Catholic Church, 214 Holland St, Blue Earth, MN.

Burial will be after the Mass at Rose Lake Cemetery, 104^th Street (County Road 124) Martin County, Minnesota, 56039.

Memorials in lieu of Flowers preferred for:

InterFaith Caregivers of Blue Earth, MN  https://interfaithcaregivers.net/support/;

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America https://alzfdn.org/support-us/donate/ or St Peter and Paul Catholic Church https://sspeterpaulmary.org in Blue Earth, MN.