Duane “Dewey” Harold Hanson, 91, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at St. Mark’s Living of Austin.

Dewey was born on Sept. 13, 1927, to Clarence and Hazel (Olson) Hanson in Austin. He graduated from Austin High School in 1946. On Sept. 11, 1946, Dewey enlisted into the United States Army. He was stationed in Korea during World War II, serving as a medical supply sergeant until Jan. 29, 1948, when he was honorably discharged as a decorated World War II veteran. He then went on to attend Minnesota School of Business, graduating in 1949. On July 10, 1949, Dewey was united in marriage to Winifred Warfield at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. They made their home in Austin and raised five sons. Dewey, along with his brother Carleton, owned and operated the Champion Oil Company for 35 years. He also served as a Mower County Commissioner for 16 years. After retiring, Dewey worked for the Mower County Corrections Department, transporting juveniles and working with drug evaluations. He served as a guardian/conservator for Mower County and continued to serve on the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustments. Dewey liked to travel and loved music. He played in dance bands and was an original member of the Cedar River All Stars/Austin Swing Band. He played with the Alley Katz polka band, the Curt Wilkinson Trio, and the Jack Schultz Orchestra, traveling the country to various engagements. He was an actively involved charter member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Austin, a 60-year member of Fidelity Lodge 39, a member of American Legion Post 91, and a life member of VFW Post 1216, where he served on the Color Guard.

Dewey and Winnie were blessed to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on July 10, 2014, and were surrounded by many friends and family members at a wonderful party on July 19, 2014, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. It was a very joyous occasion and Dewey and Winnie were touched by the great turnout and outpouring of love. During their long marriage, they not only raised five sons, but also loved and cared for many animals. Mandy and Buster were two of their special dogs, and their final beloved pet, Ginger kitty, was adopted from the Mower County Humane Society several years ago. “Gingy” was extremely special to them, brought them immense joy and happiness, and was a great comfort to Dewey after Winnie’s death.

Survivors include his sons, Mark (Janice) Hanson of Little Falls, Minnesota, Ronald Hanson of Austin, Daniel Hanson of Austin, Paul Hanson of Red Wing, Minnesota, and Robert (Robin) Hanson of Richmond, Texas; five grandchildren, Ryan Hanson, Maari (Jason Soules) Hanson, Josh (Molly) Hanson, Tessa (Chad) Harris and Sarah Hanson; eight great-grandchildren, William Everett Soules, Simon Hanson, Penelope Soules, Mia Hanson, Hunter Harris, Brayden Harris, Samantha Hanson and Jake Hanson; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Hazel Hanson; wife, Winnie Hanson, in 2015; one son in infancy; one brother, Carleton; and grandson, Dalton Hanson.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 4, 2019, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Austin with the Rev. Joy Bussert officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, 2019, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin with military honors by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Services are prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.