Josephine Laura Hanson, age 91, of Bismarck, passed away on January 8, 2026.

A funeral service will start at 11 AM, on Tuesday, January 13, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1004 E Highland Acres Rd.

Josephine, known to many as Josie, was born on June 20, 1934, near Mound City, SD, to Herman and Christine (Larson) Harp. She attended Rabenberg Country School, Glenham Grade School, and graduated from Glenham High School. Following high school, Josie worked for the Vammer family, Mobridge Community Hospital, and MDU.

On September 19, 1954, Josie married Vernon O. Hanson at Norway Lutheran Church. Together they made their home on the family farm, where they worked tirelessly to build and sustain a successful farming operation while raising their four children.

Josie was known for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and warm sense of humor, which she carried with her to the very end. She was a wonderful cook and baker and took great pride in her large garden, spending countless hours canning and freezing vegetables to provide for her family through the winter months. In the early years, she helped with milking and daily farm chores while also dedicating herself to her family.

In later years, Vernon and Josie spent many winters in Arizona, enjoying card games, crafts, sightseeing, concerts, and the friendships they formed along the way.

Faith was central to Josie’s life. She was an active member of her church, participating in Ladies Aid and helping with church cleaning and service whenever she could.

Josie is survived by her four children, LaVern Hanson of Bismarck, Tom Hanson of Piedmont, SD, Janet (Jim) Wagner of Bismarck, and Randy (Melody) Hanson of Deadwood, SD; grandchildren, Matthew (Stephanie) Wagner, Nikki (Landis) Wald, Lynette (Jon) Mott, Tyler (Jenna) Hanson, Samuel (Kelsee) Wagner, Casey Hanson, and Cody Hanson; great-grandchildren: Bennett, Asher, Madilynn, Grayson, Sloane, and Corbin; siblings, Albert Harp of Rapid City, SD, Irvin (Nancy) Harp of Seattle, WA, George (Teri) Harp of Loves Park, IL, Irene (Joe) Kerbel of Rapid City, SD, and Ann Besler of Rapid City, SD.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vernon; brother, Frank; and daughter-in-law, Jenifer.