Clinton Raphael Hanson

Clinton Raphael Hanson was born on July 12, 1923, to Hans & Hazel Gibson Hanson in Story City, IA. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Church, Story City, IA. Clint attended country schools in Story County, IA and graduated from Blairsburg High School in Blairsburg, IA in 1941. He was a driver for the Red Cross Field Commander in Trieste, Italy during WWII and was discharged in 1947. In his early 20's Clint began singing lead in a barbershop quartet called "3 Sharps and a Flat". Gaining notoriety, they sang on a local radio show and cut several records. Music was always a big part of Clint's life and he played several instruments by ear, lately entertaining residents of Thorne Crest with musical renditions as well. Clint married Jeanette Marcelyn Jean on August 29, 1948, at the Country Methodist Church in Alden, IA. They would have celebrated 59 years of marriage this year. The family moved from Iowa Falls to Albert Lea in 1956. Clint was employed as a service man for North Central Public Service in Albert Lea. Ending his work career, he was head of maintenance at the Holiday Inn/Days Inn, winning "Employee of the Year" in 1998. Clint also had a great passion for woodworking. Evenings would find him in his basement woodshop - building new furniture or rebuilding old. These handcrafted gifts reside in his children's and grandchildren's homes, as well as fortunate friends. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church since 1956, the Eagle's Club, and the American Legion, where he sang with the Careyaire Men's Chorus for many years. Survivors include his wife Jeanette; daughters, Pamela Steve Arneson of Albert Lea and Sandra Mike Hanson-Koness of Kalispell, MT; grandchildren: Jennifer Kurt Muehler of Moorhead, MN, Gretchen Daniel Chavez of Albert Lea, Grant Norman of Mesa, AZ, Will Koness, and Shea Koness of Kalispell, MT; great-grandchildren: Katelynn Norman, and Emmilee Muehler of Moorhead, MN, Anyssa, Alaynna, Matias, Gabriel, and Samuel Chavez of Albert Lea; sister, Edith Rasmussen of Story City, IA; brother, Clifford Shirley Hanson of Webster City, IA; brother-in-law, Red Marlys Jean of Albert Lea; sister-in-law, Pat Tom Nelson of Albert Lea; and many nieces and nephews. Clint was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Virginia at age 5; brother-in-law, Jeff Rasmussen; sister and brother-in-law, Cleo and Lenore Bauldry; and mother and father-in-law, Art and Helen Jean.