Edward Carl Hanson was born to Edward John and Cecelia (Olson) Hanson on August 12, 1918 in Tyro Township, Yellow Medicine County, MN. He was baptized on September 18, 1918 and confirmed on May 7, 1933 at the Clarkfield Lutheran Church, where he continued to grow in faith until his death. Ed served on the church cemetery board for many years. He was a lifelong resident of Tyro Township and graduated from the Clarkfield High School. Ed was inducted into the army on February 25, 1941 and participated in Campaigns from North Africa to Berchesgen, Austria, receiving 10 Battle Stars. He was also decorated by the First French Army with a 'Croix De Guerre' with Palm Leaf, received a Purple Heart while in the 3rd Infantry Division, and a Good conduct Medal while in the 9th Field Artillary Battery "A". On June 23, 1945, he was honorably discharged and returned to the Clarkfield area. Ed was united in marriage to Marianne Standal on January 3, 1947. To this union was born a son, James Edward Hanson. They farmed and resided in Tyro Township until Marianne's death. On August 19, 1965, Ed was united in marriage to Dora Riddell. They lived on the family farm until 1997 when they moved into Clarkfield. Ed was a 50 year member of the J. Ben Johnson Post #169 American Legion. His favorite pasttimes included: fishing, playing games, and visiting with family and friends. Ed passed away on Thursday morning, April 22, 1999 at the Clarkfield Care Center at the age of 80 years, 8 months, and 11 days. He is survived by his wife, Dora, of Clarkfield: Jim (and Mary) Hanson of Clarkfield; Warren (and Patricia) Riddell of Westbrook, MN; Murray (and Susan) Riddell of Ashland, WI; Merry (and Darell) Johnson of Oregon City, OR; 13 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; sisters: Marjorie (and Vernon) Wilson of Northfield, MN; and Theresa Kraeger of Richmond, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Marianne. Blessed be his memory. Casketbearers: Clarkfield American Legion J. Ben Johnson Post #169 Final Resting Place: Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery, Clarkfield, Yellow Medicine Co., MN Military Rites by J. Ben Johnson Post #169 Clarkfield, MN Funeral Service: Monday, April 26, 1999, 10:30 A.M., Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Officiant: Pastor Terry A. Brandt Organist: Karen Donner Soloist: Ross Riecke Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota