Hans T. Hanson was born March 24, 1916, on his parents' homestead in the northwest corner of Haakon County near the Hartley Community to Oluf and Petrina (Olson) Hanson.

He grew up on the ranch and received his elementary education in that area prior to graduating from Philip High School. 

As a young man, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving from February 27, 1941, until his discharge on November 9, 1945.  While in the Army he served in Burma and India with the Cavalry as a mule skinner.

He returned to Haakon County where he began operating the Big Stone Ranch, also known as the 101 Ranch, near the Cheyenne River in the northwest corner of Haakon County.

He was united in marriage to Susan Katherine Hurst, better known as "Susie" to her family and friends, on August 2, 1959, at Gillette, Wyoming.  They made their home on the Big Stone Ranch, which they operated until retiring in the fall of 1982 and moving into Philip.

His wife preceded him in death on April 10, 1991.  Hans continued to live in his home in Philip until health reasons forced him to move into the Philip Nursing Home in 1993.

Hans T. was a member of the Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173 and the V.F.W. Post #3069, both of Philip.

Grateful for having shared his life are his two step-daughters, Kay Couch of Philip, and Charleen Bryan of Rapid City; seven step-grandchildren and nine step-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Harry Hanson of Philip and Ingval Hanson of Cedar Edge, Colorado; two sisters, Lily Kruse of Interior and Ann Davis of Philip; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to his wife, Susie, he was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Arlo Hanson and Oscar Hanson.

Services
Saturday, November 13, 1993
2:00 p.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota

Officiating
Reverend Donald Lagge

Music
Judy Elshere - Organist
Haakon County Crooners

Ushers
Kelly Blair - Robert Radway

Active Pallbearers
Glen Radway - Bill Longbrake
David Hansen - Bob Hansen
George Gittings - Glenn O'Connell

Honorary Pallbearers
All relatives and friends in attendance

Interment with Military Honors
by the American Legion Post #173
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota