Charles William Hanson, 88, of Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday morning, March 15, 2015, at the Adams Health Care Center in Adams, Minnesota.

He was born April 16, 1926, in Wabasha, Minnesota, to William C. and Gertrude F. (Smith) Hanson. Charles attended West Side Grade School and Wabasha High School before receiving a degree in education from Winona State University in June 1950. Charles enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944, serving in World War II in the South Pacific, including Admiralty Island and the Philippines. On June 20, 1953, he was united in marriage to Maxine L. Thorin at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills, Minnesota. The couple raised four children. Mr. Hanson made his living as a social studies teacher, first at Byron High School from 1951-1952, and then LeRoy High School from 1952-1958. He continued his teaching career at Austin High School from 1958 until his retirement in 1986, where he also served as a baseball coach and football equipment manager. Charles served in Retired Educator’s Groups on the local level, as well as Southeast Area and State boards. He enjoyed his time coaching and refereeing football and basketball. A member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church where he served on the church council, Charles also worked at the St. Olaf booth at the Mower County Fair, was a scripture reader, a member of the American Legion, and enjoyed traveling.

Charles is survived by his wife Maxine Hanson of Austin; his children: Debra (Allan) Mortenson of Cushing, Minnesota, Jacqualine (Michael) Brawner of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Keith (Catherine) Hanson of Rochester, Minnesota, Paul (Sära) Hanson of Alexandria, Minnesota; eight grandchildren: Jonah (Angie) Mortenson, Leah Mortenson, Rachel (Joseph) Johnson, Erik Brawner, Miriam Hanson, Jacob Hanson, Abby Hanson, Alyssa Hanson; and two great-grandchildren: Finley and Oliver.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Gertrude Hanson; his in-laws Lennart and Mabel Thorin; his sister Ardyth Wheeler; and brothers: Gordon R. Hanson and Norman C. Hanson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2015, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Gerald Giese officiating. The Hanson Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 91. Memorials can be directed to St. Olaf Lutheran Church or recipient of donor’s choice. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online atwww.worlein.com.