Jerome Edward "Jerry" Hanson

Jerome “Jerry” E. Hanson, age 92 of Brainerd, passed away on September 28, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Society-Woodland in Brainerd. He was born in Minneapolis on May 31, 1934 to Otis and Doris (Mitchell) Hanson. Jerry married Donna Skillings on July 18, 1954.

Jerry proudly served for 4 years in the U.S. Air Force as a radio operator. He worked at Paul’s Shoe Store in downtown Brainerd for 32 years. He continued to go out for drinks and coffee with his friends for coffee long after the store closed. Once the shoe store closed, he worked at various health clubs in Brainerd for another 30 years. He retired at 87 from FitQuest in Baxter. He played racquet ball 2 to 3 days a week until he hung up his racquet at age 83. He was a member of the Y’s Men’s Club and enjoyed participating in their volunteer activities. He arranged and played in many racquet ball tournaments over the years. He enjoyed fishing in his spare time with friends and family. During the summer fishing vacations, he taught his grandchildren and great grandchildren all about fishing including how to drive his boat. His favorite fishing spots were Lake Edwards and under the bridge at Gull Lake by Zorba’s.

Jerry is survived by his daughters, Jean (Jay) Martin of Shoreview, Debra (Bill) Stolpa of Winona and Susan Hanson of Fort Collins, CO; one sister, Carol Mitchell of Staples; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Preceding Jerry in death are his parents; his wife, Donna and 2 sisters, Sharon Morgan and Yvonne Kansteldt.

A Graveside Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026 at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls with full military honors. A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 18th at the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm.