Duane "Doc" Theodore Hanson, DDS

Dr. Duane "Doc" Hanson, 88-year-old resident of Willmar, MN passed away July 25, at Vista Prairie at Copperleaf Assisted Living.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Friday, August 2, at Church of St. Mary in Willmar. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 5-7 PM at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and also for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Willmar Public School Foundation are preferred.  Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Duane Theodore Hanson was born on May 7, 1936, in Brainerd, Minnesota, the son of Theodore and Alvina (Racine) Hanson. He grew up in Brainerd and graduated from Brainerd High School with the class of 1954. Duane went on to further his education at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He graduated with his doctorate in 1960. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marian Torgelson on June 27, 1959, in Brainerd. Duane proudly served as a Captain and dentist in the U. S. Air Force in Kalispell, Montana and was honorably discharged in 1962. The couple moved to Willmar where they raised five children. Duane owned his own dental office in Willmar and ran a successful practice for over 35 years, retiring in 1995.  

During retirement, Duane and Marian enjoyed many excursions with dear friends and family exploring all corners of the world.  Duane was an avid hunter and fisherman, with a passion for wildlife conservation and habitat preservation. He was a founding member of the Green Lake Walleye Focus.  He championed quality public education, serving on the Willmar School Board for 13 years.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served on St. Mary's Church council.  Duane was a proud member of the Willmar Noon Lions Club where he received the Helen Keller Award for his service.  

Duane was not afraid to speak out for something he felt strongly about, even if it was an uphill battle against popular opinion. Duane was a prolific woodcarver, gifting his family with many wonderful woodcarvings.  He was a competitive card player always ready for a game (even in his final days), which he usually won.  His faith was his guiding light as a husband and father.  Sunday worship was mandatory as were mealtime prayers.  As a father, Duane fostered a family bond with his children which is passed down to his grandchildren.  Duane also known as Boppy, will be remembered for the love he had for his family, especially his grandchildren.  He was happiest with his large family around him, which he was blessed to enjoy at least twice a year.

Duane is survived his five children, Susan McClellan, Shelly David, Eric (Andrea) Hanson, Dr. Tom Hanson, Dr. Michael (Dr. Jodi Fonkert) Hanson; thirteen grandchildren, Kajsa Pyers, Stacy McClellan, Kristi McClellan, Remington Riehl, Ciara Riehl, Ben Hanson, Isabelle Hanson, Riley Hanson, Cole Hanson, Nick Hanson, Brett Hanson, Dr. Samantha Hanson, and Jessa Hanson; besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marian in 2017; son-in-law, Wally McClellan; sister and brother-in-law, Darlene (and Ken) Mills; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Pete and Liz Mathison.