Paul Olaf Hanson

Paul Olaf Hanson was born on May 3, 1923 to Olaf and Alma Johnsrud Hanson in Waseca, MN. Paul grew up in Albert Lea, MN and attended Albert Lea Schools. Paul joined the United States Navy in 1941 at the start of WWII. After his term of service, Paul married Betty Bly in 1946 at New London, CT. The couple returned to Albert Lea and Paul worked for the Albert Lea Foundry. He then founded and operated Albert Lea Pattern Shop until his retirement. Paul had many interests and hobbies including hunting, fishing, trap shooting, photography, and woodworking. He was active in the Sports Car Club, the Camera Club and the Gold Wing Motorcycle Club. Paul was also a pilot who built and flew his own plane. He enjoyed traveling and touring with his wife Betty, flying his airplane or riding his motorcycle. He built 3 iceboats, the last one he built and sailed on Fountain Lake when he was 83 years old. Survivors include his wife, Betty; children, Dorothy and husband Robert Huff, Toni and husband Robert Horning, and Robert Hanson; 7 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Tony and wife Bonnie Hanson; sisters-in-law, Louise Gilbert and Florence Nahlar; and brother-in-law, Louis and wife Judy Pelteir. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Judith Dekle; and sister, Betty Jenson.