Marlin Duane Hanson

On March 21, 2015, the talented, tenacious, feisty, generous and loving soul of Marlin Duane (“Bud”) Hanson, 76, Fargo, ND, escaped his worn and weathered earthly vessel to rejoice in his liberation with loved ones that preceded him and to prepare a place for those yet to come. Always a man who stood by his word, persisted in his work, and defined the terms and conditions of his own life, Bud left his vessel peacefully, in his own home, when he determined it was time to do so.

Marlin Duane Hanson (“Bud”) was born on June 11, 1938 to Martin and Evelyn (Pierce) Hanson of Carrington, North Dakota. As the second of three children and only son, Bud developed an incredible work ethic, a hearty and unmistakable laugh and an unwavering devotion to family, along with many other talents. As a teenager, Bud enjoyed roller skating in nearby Spiritwood, North Dakota. On one occasion, Bud entered a couples’ roller dancing competition with a friend. He let her keep the trophy they won because he won a much bigger prize that night when he met the love of his life, best friend and partner of 57 years, Marlys Marie Offner.

Bud and Marlys were married on November 10, 1957 in Wimbledon, North Dakota. Both loved children and they began their family right away. Soon Marlin and Marlys were joined by Mark, Marcie, Monte, Mike and Mindy. Bud served in the National Guard at Camp Grafton for eight years.

In the early 1970s, the family relocated to Grafton, North Dakota, where Bud began a construction company with his brother-in-law, Alvin Soma, who soon decided to pursue other endeavors. While serving as Scoutmaster for his sons’ boy scout groups, being an active member of Grafton’s various bowling leagues, taking his wife and children roller skating, and always meeting and enjoying his duties as husband and father, Bud also devoted himself to growing the family business, Hanson Construction. He built residential homes all over Walsh County, particularly in Grafton, Hoople and Cavalier, before he transitioned to commercial construction. Many of the potato warehouses he built remain in use today.

Bud found the greatest joy in life in his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No greater knee for bouncing babies will ever be found, nor will one ever hear a more exuberant and joyful “ouch” when a baby snaps someone’s suspenders. His witty one-liners are already missed.

Bud is survived by his wife, Marlys, and the five children he made sure he saw all of one last time: Mark (Marge) Hanson of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Marcie (Tom) Quinn of Weston, Florida, Monte (Gail Martinson) Hanson of Grafton, North Dakota, Michael (Stephanie) Hanson of Moorhead, Minnesota, and Melinda (Bryan) Weerts of Ulen, Minnesota. He is also survived by a sister, Darlene (Jim) Hewitt of Carrington, North Dakota, eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Evelyn (Pierce) Hanson, sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Alvin Soma and niece, Lorrie Hewitt.