Kenneth D Hanson

Kenneth Hanson, age 73, of Vergas, MN, died on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Bethany on University, in Fargo, ND.

Memorial Services will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Korsmo Funeral Service in Moorhead, MN with Pastor Taylor Johnson officiating. Military Honors will be rendered for his service in the Marines.

Visitation will start one hour prior to the service.

Kenneth Dywane Hanson was born on July 15, 1952, in Moorhead, MN, to Orvis Ferdinand and Barbara (Reif) Hanson. Although his childhood was marked by hardship, those early experiences helped shape the determined, hardworking man he would become.

At the age of 17, Kenneth answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served during the Vietnam War, where he was wounded in combat and was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice.

After returning home and adjusting to civilian life, Kenneth went back to work as a mechanic. It was there that fate introduced him to a young woman with a flat tire named Lori Zebley. Their first date took them to the drag races in Sabin, MN and it wasn't long before they knew they had found something special. The couple was united in marriage on July 19, 1975.

Kenneth and Lori began their life together in Moorhead, where Kenneth started what would become a lifelong career driving semi-trucks. During his early years behind the wheel, he hauled grain from small North Dakota towns to Minneapolis. Together they built a loving family, welcoming their daughter, Sarah, followed by two sons, Matt and Nick. Over the years, they made their home in Moorhead before settling into retirement at their lake home near Vergas, MN. Last summer, they celebrated the wonderful milestone of 50 years of marriage.

Kenneth will be remembered as someone who could fix just about anything. A true jack of all trades, he was resourceful, hardworking, and never afraid to tackle a challenge. As a young man, he learned the value of hard work while spending time with his grandfather and caring for horses. He was known for his determination. Once Kenneth set his mind to something, there was little that could change it.

The injuries Kenneth sustained during his military service eventually contributed to early-onset dementia. In recent months, he made his home at Bethany on University, where he received compassionate care.

More than anything, Kenneth treasured his family. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 51 years, Lori of Vergas, MN; his three children, Sarah (Brandon) Strom of Vergas, Matt Hanson of Fargo, ND, and Nick (Katie) Hanson of Moorhead; his four beloved grandchildren, Braydon Strom of Vergas, Kersey Strom of Weatherford, TX, and Paul and Amelia Hanson of Moorhead; his brother, Mike (Becky) Hanson of West Fargo, ND; his sister, Sharonne Hanson (Max Pattyranie)of Everett, WA; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Orvis Hanson and Barbara Reif, and by four siblings, John Hanson, Susan Cossette, Teresa Hanson, and Alfred Hanson.