Arleigh L. Hanson, 94, of Austin, died Wednesday evening, Feb. 11, 2015, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home, Austin.

He was born Aug. 1, 1920, in Sargeant Township, Mower County, Minnesota, to Arthur and Hilda (Johnson) Hanson. Arleigh grew up in Mower County and then enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving during World War II in the European-African-Middle Eastern theatre. After his honorable discharge in 1946, he moved back to Austin, later moving his family to Anaheim, California, in Orange County. Arleigh worked as a heavy equipment operator for the city of Anaheim for 25 years. In 1982, he moved back to Austin, where he lived until his death. A member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin and the American Legion Post 91, Arleigh loved dancing and music. He played many instruments in many local bands. In later years, he enjoyed playing cards at the Mower County Senior Citizens Center.

Arleigh is survived by his daughter Juanita (Maeton) Freel of Goleta, California; two grandchildren: Machel (Andrew) Symons, and Brian Freel, both of Goleta, California; two great-grandchildren: Katelyn and Jocelyn; his sister Ramona (Leo) Kerling of Austin, Minnesota, his brother Maynard Hanson also of Austin; sister-in-law Bertha Hanson of Austin; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Hilda Hanson; his brother Norman Hanson; and his sister Betty White.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2015, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with Todd Portinga, Associate in Ministry, officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, with military rites by American Legion Post 91. Memorials can be directed to St. Olaf Lutheran Church or Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Austin. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.