Walter Hanson

Hanson
Walter R. "Wally" Jr.
83 of Cottage Grove
Died peacefully August 7, 2014
Walter was born to Walter Sr. & Elizabeth (nee: Hamper) on March 26, 1931 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He grew up on the East side of St. Paul and graduated from St. Agnes High School in 1949.
On June 25, 1955 he married Shirley Strobel at St. Paul Nativity Catholic Church. They settled in the St. Paul Midway area and raised their family there. They were blessed with 5 children. Walter had a love for gardening, he and Shirley moved to Cottage Grove so he could have a larger yard for a bigger garden. He also enjoyed traveling, all over the world with Shirley by his side. Grandchildren were always on the top of his list. He was thrilled to spend as much time with them as possible.

Walter was a proud Korean War Veteran, worked for Great Northern/Burlington Northern Railroad for 38 years, served as a Minnesota State Legislator for 10 years, president of his local Union for 13 years & longtime board member Unity One Credit Union.
He is survived by loving wife of 59 years Shirley; loving children Barbara(Dick) Slonaker, Deborah(Ken) Bushinski, Stephen, David(Nancy), Peter(Bonnie); grandchildren Leda, Nicholas, Jeana, Karly, Alex, Andy(Avonlea), Tyler, Sara, Anna, Joshua, Matthew; great grandchildren Evelyn & Broderick; sister Mary Ellen Graske; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents and his sister Lorraine McGrath.
Mass of Christian Burial 11am Thursday at St. Rita's Catholic Church (8694 80th St. S. Cottage Grove) with a visitation starting at 10am. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.