Visitation: Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-8 p.m., family present 6-8 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.
Service: Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 2 at Grand Valley Lutheran Church.
Lillian Opal Hanson passed away on March 28, 2014 at the age of 87. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 2 at Grand Valley Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-8 p.m., family present 6-8 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.
Lillian was born on September 30, 1926 to Ole and Gunhild (Orstad) Aasheim near Canton, SD. As a child she helped on the family farm while going to country school. After graduation, she worked as a bookkeeper at Farmers Lumber in Canton.
She married Kermit A. Hanson on February 17, 1954. The couple moved to Simi Valley, CA where they ran a tractor and dump truck service for new home developments. In 1971, they moved back to South Dakota with a short stay in Colorado. Their last and permanent home was near Harrisburg, SD. She worked at Litton Microwave until her retirement.
Lillian loved spending time with her grandchildren and with anyone who would stop and visit. She was always outdoors and relaxed by walk through the grove picking up twigs. She also enjoyed playing the organ and accordion.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kermit; siblings- Henry, Walter, Gladys Vandermeer, Esther Myland, Alma Van Bockern, and Lenore Monen.
She is survived by her son, Kirk (Brenda) Hanson, Canton; granddaughters, Leah (Alex) Humbert, Worthing, SD and Mara Hanson (Brett Block), Canton, SD; brother-in-law, Dale Mydland; cousin Elsie Severson, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
My late wife Janet Sylvia VanderMeer Hansen and I always looked forward to seeing Lillian and Kermit when we would come visiting in the Canton area. I can recall many good times with the Aasheim clan gathering at either one of their homes or in the park in Sioux Falls. After a grand lunch there would be three groups, the kids playing games, the ladies gathering and discussing things drifting into Norwegian when they talked about things little ears should not hear and finally the men either discussing the farming business, sticking their heads under a car hood etc. The closeness and supporting family ties were always a treasure we all enjoyed.
I would share the following poem as a gift to the family.
The Thread Of Life
Copyright © 2001`David E Hansen
Can you hear it
As its breath warms the night
With whisper soft feet
And tiny touches?
The sound of light
The echo of sweetness
The chorus of the universe
We all delight in the weave
The way it ties our souls
We all play in its dances
As if we really know the steps
The light of a smile
The sweetness of sunshine
The Universal soul of creation
Open the vessel of years
Savor the vision of love
Touch the melody and cry
For the joy of knowing
The smile of Life
The sunshine of a hug
The creation of a kiss
As our Mothers and Fathers
And Theirs …. And Theirs … And Theirs
Forever before us tug
On The Thread Of Life
My Condolences
David E Hansen
Our hearts are so saddened to hear about Grandma Lillian’s passing. We feel so fortunate to have been able to have met her and spent the short time we have had with her. She was such a kind hearted woman! We know her absence will be greatly felt as your love for her was very evident. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this very difficult time of your life.