Glenda Hanson, 96, Owatonna

Glenda Mae (Kubista) Hanson passed away Jan. 27, 2025, surrounded by family, at age 96.

Glenda was born in Blooming Prairie on Sept. 20, 1928, to George W. and Mary (Nelson) Kubista.

She is an Owatonna High School graduate of the Class of 1946. After graduating from the Minneapolis School of Business, she was employed at the Farmers & Merchants State Bank in Blooming Prairie.

While in Blooming Prairie she met and married Bernard Daniel Hanson on Nov. 19, 1950, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. Following Bernie’s discharge from the Navy in Pensacola, Fla., they returned to Owatonna where she worked at Federated Insurance until the family grew.

Glenda was well known for her green thumb with flowers, as well as vegetable gardening. She was a talented seamstress and an excellent baker. She golfed with the Women’s League as well as with Bernie at home and while traveling. Glenda enjoyed fishing, family vacations, especially her trip with her sister to Denmark rediscovering family ties.

Glenda researched her extensive family history, creating a family tree book complete with stories and photos. Glenda was active in the Steele County Extension Club, was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader for many years and was an active participant in the Roosevelt School PTA. She was also a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna.

She is survived by her children: Evie (Tom) Grunwald of Phoenix, Dan Hanson of Grand Rapids; Anita (Lynn) Soiseth of Anchorage, Wendy (Frank Fork) Hanson of York, S.C.; grandchildren, Jon Soiseth, Stephanie Wolanin, Nicole Soiseth, Krista Barzen-Hanson, Kyle Barzen-Hanson, Kevin Barzen-Hanson and four great grandchildren; sisters, Eleanor Franke of Anchorage; Norma Rausch of Osceola, Wis., brother Ron (Gwen) Kubista of Blooming Prairie, sister-in-law Evelyn Kubista of Blooming Prairie.

She was preceded in death by husband, Bernard Hanson, parents George and Mary Kubista, brother Richard Kubista, daughter-in-law Mimi Barzen (Dan).

Family is grateful for the love and compassion shown by her personal caregivers, Julie, Teresa,

and Anna, whom Mom loved dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna.

In lieu of flowers or food, family suggests memorials to Rachel’s Light or Community Pathways of Steele County.