Denny Hanson
Denny Hanson was born in Minneapolis, Minn., on Sept. 17, 1937, and raised by his grandparents, Kate and Vincent Hanson, in Montevideo. He passed away in the loving arms of Sharon Jordan, who was his constant companion for over a decade. They bonded over a love of music, travel and each other. Grandma Kate instilled in Denny a love for music. After graduation from Montevideo Senior High School, he joined the Army and graduated from the Navy School of Music in Washington, D.C. He formed the Denny Hanson Dixieland Band, playing trombone. He traveled the world as part of the St. Paul Minnesota Choir.
Denny married Ann, and together they had four children whom they raised in Montevideo and Olivia, Minn. Later in life, Denny married Barbara (Casey) and inherited an expanded family.
Denny spent his career in the hospitality industry, ending his paid career as the proprietor of Olivia’s Sheep Shedde Inn. He also served as the president of the Minnesota Restaurant Association. Radical hospitality was a way of life for Denny with an always open door, open heart and open arms. He will be remembered by so many friends. No one was a stranger to Denny: only a friend he was getting to know better.
After retirement, Denny moved to Sun City Center, Fla., where he enjoyed playing golf, hosting big St. Patrick’s Day parties, volunteering to lead the elderly in song, singing in church choirs, organizing donations of golf clubs for kids and leading food packaging events called Meals of Hope, serving five food pantries.
Denny’s bigger than life spirit will be missed by many friends and family. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Kate; grandfather Vincent; his wives, Ann and Barb; his daughters, Jennifer Hanson and Terri Berntson; his son, Paul Hanson; and his dear brother-in-law, Tony Costello. He is survived by his significant other, Sharon Jordan; his son, Mike Hanson; his granddaughters, Bri, Aly, Grace and Katie; his grandson Chris; and six-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his Casey stepchildren, Jackie, Bill, Sean, Meghan, Erin and their families.
To memorialize Denny’s life, you can consider an honorary donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or an organization of your choosing.
Denny married Ann, and together they had four children whom they raised in Montevideo and Olivia, Minn. Later in life, Denny married Barbara (Casey) and inherited an expanded family.
Denny spent his career in the hospitality industry, ending his paid career as the proprietor of Olivia’s Sheep Shedde Inn. He also served as the president of the Minnesota Restaurant Association. Radical hospitality was a way of life for Denny with an always open door, open heart and open arms. He will be remembered by so many friends. No one was a stranger to Denny: only a friend he was getting to know better.
After retirement, Denny moved to Sun City Center, Fla., where he enjoyed playing golf, hosting big St. Patrick’s Day parties, volunteering to lead the elderly in song, singing in church choirs, organizing donations of golf clubs for kids and leading food packaging events called Meals of Hope, serving five food pantries.
Denny’s bigger than life spirit will be missed by many friends and family. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Kate; grandfather Vincent; his wives, Ann and Barb; his daughters, Jennifer Hanson and Terri Berntson; his son, Paul Hanson; and his dear brother-in-law, Tony Costello. He is survived by his significant other, Sharon Jordan; his son, Mike Hanson; his granddaughters, Bri, Aly, Grace and Katie; his grandson Chris; and six-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his Casey stepchildren, Jackie, Bill, Sean, Meghan, Erin and their families.
To memorialize Denny’s life, you can consider an honorary donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or an organization of your choosing.