Ione Marie Hanson, 88, of Rochester, Minn., passed away Friday, July 6, 2012, at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester.

Ione Johnson was born on Nov. 3, 1923, in Choice, Minn. She was the sixth of nine children born to Edward and Isabelle Johnson. In 1939 she graduated from eighth grade in District 7, Fillmore County. While in school she worked outside the home cleaning and caring for children.

Ione married Raymond M. Hanson on Nov. 3, 1944, in Harmony, Minn. The couple lived in the Dexter/Elkton area and moved to Rochester in 1966. Ione worked at Kresge’s, Kmart, and Piggly Wiggly in Rochester and was also employed in the stockroom at JC Penny’s until her retirement.

She enjoyed polka dances, golfing, Bingo, putting together puzzles, playing cards and spending time with her family and friends. She was a 32-year charter member of Eagles Auxiliary and was the first Mother of the Year for Auxiliary No. 2228. She was very active in the Eagles Cancer Telethon for many years.

Survivors include five sons, Robert (Carol) of Lake City, Minn., Paul (Shelly) of Canton, Minn., Steven (Sarah) of Canton, Mark (Jeanne) of Rochester and Kevin of Rochester; a daughter, Shirley Laqua of Lake City; and daughters-in- law, Judy Hanson, Linda Hanson and Carol Hanson of Rochester. She is also survived by one brother, Wally (Linda) Johnson of Decorah, Iowa and a sister-in-law Donna Johnson of Mabel, Minn. Her extended family included 34 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Ione is preceded in death by her husband Raymond; three sons, Dick, Dennis and Jeff; one son-in-law, Lester Laqua; two brothers, Harvey and Buddy; five sisters, Amy, Elsie, Lorraine, Vivian, Delores.

The family would like to thank Sunrise Cottage No. 4, for all the love and support they gave to Ione the last 3 1/2 years and to Seasons Hospice for helping Ione make a peaceful and gentle transition at the end.

Friends may call Monday at the River Park Chapel of Macken Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. followed by an Eagles Auxiliary memorial service at 8 p.m. All are welcome to attend to honor Ione’s memory. The funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, July 10 at 11 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Rochester with the Rev. Nancy Wheeler-Handlon officiating. Friends may also call one hour prior the service at church. Burial will be following the service at Grandview Memorial Garden. A luncheon will be served at the Eagles following the burial.

Memorials are suggested to the family.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfunerahme.com.