Catherine G. Hanson

Catherine Gertrude (Craven) Hanson, age 92, passed away on May 22, 2025, at Edgewood Village Assisted Living Facility in Bismarck, North Dakota.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 3 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 502 N 4th St, Bismarck, with a luncheon to follow. A livestream of the service will be available on the church's website: https://trinitybismarck.com/funeral-livestream/

Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, 1825 46th St, Mandan.

Catherine was born in Bismarck on October 4, 1932, to John and Elizabeth (Hanks) Craven. She was raised in rural Burleigh County and attended grade school in Menoken. She was active in 4-H and enjoyed roller skating. Her sweet rolls were a 4-H blue ribbon winner.

Catherine attended Bismarck High School, Class of 1951, where she was a member of the tumbling team, pep club, girl’s athletic association (G.A.A.) and Future Homemakers of America (F.H.A.). After high school Catherine was employed by Provident Life Insurance Co.

On July 16, 1953, Catherine married Melvin Hanson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bismarck, ND. During their 62 years of married life they raised five children and were blessed with seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her most cherished times were spent gathered with family celebrating the holidays and other special occasions.

Catherine was an active member at Trinity Lutheran Church. She was in Mother’s Club and taught Sunday School for eight years. She served on various committees and boards like the Art Guild and Altar Guild, where she hand-embroidered many baptismal christening towels.

Catherine was a talented seamstress who often made her own clothing, baby clothes and dresses for her girls. Her children and grandchildren have received hand tied quilts or crocheted afghans. She taught her children to sew, embroider, bake and cook. Catherine had dreamed of becoming a home economics teacher.

She enjoyed growing and tending her flowers, especially her beautiful roses. She loved to read, do puzzles, and play computer games. Catherine frequently used the computer for medical research and connecting with family.

Life for Catherine was busy, but she did enjoy square-dancing, going on family vacations to the lake in the summer and camping with special neighbors. Celebrating the Fourth of July at Gary’s house at Lake Sakakawea became an annual tradition.

Catherine loved to travel and would often be invited to join family members on their vacations. She and Melvin particularly enjoyed the bus trips they took with friends to see the United States.

She always had time for coffee with friends and a gift for listening to others’ difficulties. She had a caring heart and was consistently there to offer a helping hand, whether it be assistance in moving, babysitting or providing care for family members.

Catherine centered her life around her family. Her indomitable spirit will be forever treasured and remembered by those who loved her.

Catherine is survived by her children Gary (Darlyne) Hanson, Bismarck; Deanna (Ron) Lindenfelser, Corcoran, MN; Kevin (Kathy) Hanson, Mobile, AL; Janine (Steve) Ess, Columbia Heights, MN; Craig Hanson, Brooklyn Center, MN; her seven grandchildren Eric, Amanda, Breann, Katie, Nick, Devin, Freya; her six great-grandchildren Hadley, Ava, Audrey, Jonah, Simon, Michael; her sister, Elizabeth Ennen, Menoken; her sisters-in-law, Esther Shearer, Glendive, MT, and Arleen Carter, Colorado Springs, CO; and her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; her parents; sisters, Lillian Craven, Buryl and Ernest Doehle, Lucile and Russell Heaton; brothers, Calvin, Bernard, James, Gerald and Donavon Craven; her son-in-law, Steve; her in-laws, Alice Hanson, Adeline and George Reinke, Hazel and Donald Peterson, Janice and Verner Hanson, Mable and Lyle Schultz, and Timothy Shearer.

The family would like to thank Edgewood Village and CaringEdge Hospice for their tender care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the National Kidney Foundation.