Bernice Hanson, 98, Owatonna

Bernice Alvina Hanson, 98, of Owatonna, passed away on Nov. 9, 2026, at Birchwood Cottages in Owatonna.

Bernice was born on Oct. 7,1928, in Johnsburg, Minn., to John and Mary (Bissen) Thome. She grew up on the family farm in Johnsburg and graduated from Adams High School in 1946.

Bernice married H. A. Clifford Hanson in 1953.

In Bernie’s early years, she worked at the Normandy Café in Austin, and then at Hormel in Austin for 38 years. She had an early retirement from Hormel in 1986 due to the P-9 strike. She then delivered flowers for local florists until about the age of 85, a job she enjoyed immensely. Bernice enjoyed playing cards, going to chicken fries, and taking an occasional trip with her siblings.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and was active with her guild and quilting.

Bernie is survived by her six children: Warren, Craig, Arlen (Patti Abraham-Brekke), Arlene (Tim) Caron, Wendy (Mike) Dahl, and Carol (Dale) Groth; grandchildren Brent Hanson, Barry Hanson, Jon (Amanda) Hanson, Jessica Hanson, Trevor Caron, Schuyler Caron, Josie (Travis) Florer, Jacob Dahl, and Dakota (Ryan) Liebenow; and eight great-grandchildren: Gillian, Wesley, Ivie, Madeline, Ozzy, Brynn, Haddie and Novalie; sister Darlene Hemann, sisters in-law Shirley Thome and Bettie Deden; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents: John and Mary Thome, her husband Clifford Hanson, siblings: infant sister Johanna Thome, Cletus Thome, Wilfred Thome, Melvin Thome, and Lioba Smith; brother-in-law Alfred Hemann and sister-in-law Lorraine Thome.

In lieu of flowers, please give a memorial in honor of Bernie to your favorite charity.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Birchwood Cottages and Ecumen Hospice for taking such good care of their mother.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 512 South Elm Ave., Owatonna. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., with the Parish Rosary recited at 8:45 a.m. at the church.

For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.