Donna Mae Hanson

Donna Mae Hanson was 93 years old when she passed away on March 14, 2024 at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls. Donna was born on May 2, 1930 at Aberdeen, South Dakota to Oscar and Suzanne (Essenger) Hawkinson. She graduated from Sisseton High School. Donna met Joseph Hanson in Sisseton and they were married on December 19, 1948 in Aberdeen. They had three children, Charles, JoAnn and Susan.

Donna and Joe loved going to their century-old family homestead. Every summer was spent gardening and reading. Donna canned her potatoes that were home grown and fresh from garden. She was known by many friends as the “Jam Lady” and blueberry rhubarb was one the favorites flavors. Donna shared her recipes, and it is nice to know that part of her lives on through that gift. The family is very grateful to the Christ Anderson Family for their friendship and kindness. Donna appreciated that Owen, Ryan and Chesnie cleaned and cut up rhubarb every summer for her.
Donna was a self-taught quilter and made many quilts for her family and friends. She also loved reading and passed along that passion along to her children and grandchildren. 

Donna is survived by her children, Chuck (Sandi) Hanson, JoAnn (Chuck) Heck and Susan (Jim) Madson; her granddaughters, Kate and Jessica Hanson, Kristen (Rob) Yates. Sally Ann (Ben) Gray and Nancy (Mark) Sundquist; great grandchildren, Cloey Hanson, Josephine and Theodore Gray, Elizabeth Yates and Ariana Sundquist.

She will be joining her husband, Joe; parents, Suzanne and Oscar; half siblings, Elmer Wolf, Allen Hawkinson and Grace Sanden; nephews, John and Dale Sanden; and her cat Ginger.

A special thank you to St. Croix Hospice for the excellent care given to Donna. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Croix Hospice to Buffalo Lake Church in Eden, SD or any cat or dog rescue of your choice.