Duane Hanson

Duane E. Hanson, born on Mother's Day May 10, 1942, died on February 24, 2015 in his home in Middleton, WI. In the intervening years he influenced hundreds of lives through his work as an associate pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison WI and Executive Director of Bethel Horizons Camp and Retreat Centers near Dodgeville, WI. Those 45 years of service were fueled by his energy, insight, and faith. He believed and acted upon the understanding that that we need to be in harmony with God, with others, with ourselves and with nature. These are not just "nice" ideas; they were, and are, words of action. So whether it was cleaning up the Kickapoo river, mediating a conflict between campers, raising campership funds for underprivileged youth, welcoming international students for the summer, or encouraging the talents of staff, Duane lived out his faith. He thoroughly enjoyed his relationships with a diverse staff and congregation.
Duane's energy spilled over into many professional groups, especially Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, American Camp Association, MidStates Camp Association,and Lutheran Campus Ministry. Over the years he held several leadership positions in these groups and received many awards for his work with them.
Duane is survived by his wife, Ruth (Dimick) Hanson, his daughter, Solveig, his son, Bjorn, daughter-in-law, Dara, and his grandson, Thor. Also he is survived by his brother Rodney (Diane) of Woodbury, MN, and their sons, Arik (Angela and children Matthew and Amy) and Aaron (Kristine and son Levi) of Minneapolis, MN. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Palma (Grimsled) Hanson, and Bernard M. Hanson of Rising Sun, Wisconsin.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at the CRESS CENTER, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, February 27, 2015 at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, WI 53703, with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in the Freeman Lutheran Church Cemetery, Duane's home church near Ferryville, WI.
Memorial gifts may be given to Bethel Lutheran Church or to the Bethel Horizons Campership Fund.
We want to express gratitude for the care Duane received from both the medical staff at the UW Carbonne Cancer Center and our hospice team with Agrace HospiceCare. Please share a memory at www.CressFuneralService.com .


Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-8406