Christopher Hanson

Christopher's service can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/776705897

Christopher Andrew Hanson, 45, of Fargo, ND, passed away on November 20, 2022, with his wife by his side at Sanford Medical Center, after suffering a sudden stroke.

Christopher was an incredibly passionate and talented musician, composer, arranger, and vocalist. He played trombone, bass guitar, piano and organ, among other instruments. He was a member of several bands including Helena Handbasket, Patents Pending, FM Kicks Jazz Band, Guys and Dahls, the Imperial Big Band of the El Zagal Shrine, Fat Daddy’s, Jazz Arts Group, The Jazz Nickel, and countless freelance projects. He was a proud member of the North Dakota Army National Guard’s 188th Army Band, and the creative visionary behind its Blues In Green variety band–which remains active after more than 20 years.

Christopher was friends with everyone and the connection between many social circles. He was the glue. He loved organizing gatherings, whether for a gig, a meal, or a beer. He was an avid sports fan and loved to share Sunday game time with friends, especially when the Denver Broncos, NDSU Bison, or Minnesota Twins were playing. He could always be counted on for a self-deprecating joke, a spot-on impersonation, or to help anyone in need. It was also known that he could be maddeningly particular, and that it was best not to wash his filthy coffee cups. He was undeniably genuine and loyal–once you became a friend of Christopher, you became like family.

Christopher was born in Inchon, South Korea and adopted during infancy by Peter and Deborah Hanson. They lived in Hawaii until 1978, then moved to ND where they lived in Bottineau, Langdon, and Minot. After graduating from Minot High School in 1995, he joined the United States Army. He served as a musician in the 323rd Army Band at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. In 1999, he moved to Fargo to attend North Dakota State University and continued his military service in the National Guard. He worked in the hospitality industry before starting full-time in the National Guard in 2007. He was a team leader in Military Funeral Honors and then served in Human Resources and Operations for the 188th Army Band. In 2015, he pursued his passion for ministry by accepting a full-time position at Faith United Methodist Church. He continued in the National Guard part-time until his retirement in 2017, on his 40th birthday.

Christopher organized the first Jass Festival in 1995 as a farewell party before leaving for Army basic training. It was such a success that it became an annual event while he was home on leave each summer. He ran the festival for 25 consecutive years and grew it into an educational opportunity for aspiring young jazz musicians and a highly anticipated community event.

Sergeant Hanson honorably served his country in the military for 22 years, 12 full-time and 10 part-time. In Military Funeral Honors, he provided final honors for more than 260 veterans. While working full-time for the 188th Army Band, he was known for his impeccable organizational skills as he meticulously planned hundreds of performances. He melded his military work with his enthusiasm for working with youth. He loved performing rock shows and leading workshops in high schools during annual “Music in Schools” tours. He was the mastermind behind the Military Youth Music Camp which gave children of National Guard families musical mentorship, performance experience, and a creative outlet to express their feelings. He empowered and guided less-experienced musicians with grace and patience. His vast expertise and pursuit of musical excellence had a transformative impact on the unit. He received extensive military accolades and awards–the most prestigious being two Meritorious Service Medals, five Army Commendation Medals, and the Colonel Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award.

He further served veterans and the community as a proud member of the Gilbert C. Grafton Post #2 American Legion in Fargo. He held multiple leadership positions including Commander, Adjutant, and Finance Officer and was named the ND Legionnaire of the Year in 2015.

Christopher was a cherished member of the Faith United Methodist Church community. His official titles were Executive Assistant and Music Director, but his leadership and passion reached into every part of the church. He thrived as the leader of the worship committee and the youth director. He was dedicated to choosing scripture, writing lessons, and praising God through music–especially with The Big House Band. He devoted himself wholeheartedly to serving through ministry, building relationships, and humbly leading by example.

On September 2, 2022, he married Sarah Beck in Moorhead, MN.

Christopher and Sarah first met in 2002 through the NDSU Gold Star Marching Band, where he was a drum major. Christopher’s excitement to be married to Sarah could not have been more apparent than it was during their first dance as husband and wife. He fulfilled one of her dreams as he tenderly sang Crazy Love to her. Everyone agreed they had never seen Christopher so full of joy. Sarah and Christopher radiated mutual adoration and respect, and their bond will be forever treasured.

Christopher loved (and hugged) fiercely. He had a servant’s heart which was evident in every aspect of his life – church, military and civic. He put all his energy into his passions – faith, family, friends, and music. His final act of service was the gift of life as an organ and tissue donor.

Christopher will be forever missed by his loving wife, Sarah (Beck) Hanson; mother, Deborah Hanson; sister, Elizabeth Hanson; Godmother and aunt, Yvonne Fisher; aunts, Linda Maupin and Betty Tratebas; uncle, Dennis Hanson; father and mother-in-law, Dan (Lorraine) Beck; sister-in-law, Cassie (John) Obarski; brother-in-law, David (Lauren) Beck; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his beloved father, Peter; Godfather and uncle, Jack Fisher; uncles, Bob Fisher, Harold Hanson Jr., David Hanson, and Ron Hanson; paternal grandparents, Harold and Luella Hanson; maternal grandparents, Roy and Leila Fisher.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to “Christopher Hanson Memorial Fund” and mailed to Bell Bank, 2870 52nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104.

Visitation: Sunday, November 27, 2022, 2-5pm at Faith United Methodist Church, Fargo, ND. Celebration of Life: Monday, November 28, 2022, 6pm, at NDSU Festival Concert Hall, Fargo, ND with a visitation one hour prior. Burial: Tuesday, November 29, 2022, 12pm at ND Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND. Arrangements by Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home.