Barbara Hanson

Barbara Marie Nordstrom Hanson, 1938-2024, devoted mother, grandmother, wife and inspiration to many, passed into eternal life with our Lord, at home surrounded by family on June 6, 2024.  Barbara met John, her beloved husband, in early 1959 and they married in December, 1960.  

 Barbara was born December 11, 1938, in Minneapolis, MN, grew up in the city, and graduated from Washburn High School in 1956.  She attended Gustavus Adolphus College earning a BS in Elementary Education in 1960. Barb went on to earn her Master of Education from the University of North Dakota and held a Certificate in Early Childhood Education from the University of Minnesota Duluth.  

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years John and survived by her children Eric (Marla) Hanson of Spokane, WA, Mark (Kerry) Hanson of New Canaan, CT, and Kristi (Bill) Lynn of Redmond, WA.   Barbara delighted in and loved her grandchildren David O., Michelle & Matthew Hanson; Ellie, Parker, Annie & Barrett Hanson; and David A. and Christopher Lynn; brother David Nordstrom (Marie Cieslak) of Detroit, MI, and twin brother William (Karin) Nordstrom of Minnetonka, MN.  

Barb was an early advocate of advanced education for all.    She taught kindergarten early in her career and directed and taught early childhood education for many years thereafter.   She co-founded the Little Eskimo Nursery School in Esko, MN which remains active today 50 years later.  Barb expertly balanced raising her three children with her career in early childhood education teaching and directing preschools throughout Minnesota as the family moved.  Barb was always there to support her children in their sports, music and many other activities.  

Barb was very active in the lives of her grandchildren, encouraging them both in their academics and career pursuits and athletic and musical activities.  She fostered their creativity by sharing her love of the arts through planned arts and crafts projects at the lake each summer.  These experiences served to develop responsibility, creativity, and long-lasting memories of their times together.  

Barb was deeply involved in community organizations, serving on the AAUW Board, Anderson Center Board, American Lutheran Church Women, Girl Scout leadership and on church leadership committees in several communities as well as contributing to many arts and culture organizations.  

Barb was a prolific quilter, beautifully decorating her residence with these creative works of art, gifting them to family and friends, and donating many quilts to various charitable organizations.  ‘Quilting retreats’ were a highlight where she enjoyed gathering with friends of similar interests to inspire this beautiful work.

Barb cherished her summers at the cabin on Sand Lake where she spent time with family and many lifelong friends as well as lovingly cultivating her beautiful gardens.  Sand Lake was a haven for Barb and John to laugh, love, reflect on the beauty of creation and share life with a deep well of friends and extended family from many stages of life.  

Barb loved to travel and experience other cultures.   She and John visited many other countries together to learn about and embrace ways of life, often serving others in some capacity during their travels.  Barb continued to travel with friends and independently after John passed, developing new and lasting friendships along the way continuing her exploration of the world.  

Barb’s faith was real and alive, evidenced in her active participation at United Lutheran church, and in local community outreach projects.  She loved music, singing in the choir in each congregation they attended.  She was a strong advocate for her children and grandchildren’s musical pursuits, and she regularly attended the symphony and other cultural activities, always living life to the fullest.

Barb continued her many activities even after her cancer diagnosis a year ago.  She traveled to Florida, Washington, Montana, and even Switzerland during her last year.   She actively attended water aerobics and yoga classes until weeks before her passing.  She lived life with passion and commitment and encouraged others to do the same right until the end.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Colville Family Center or the Red Wing Arts Foundation. Visitation Friday, June 14th, 4-6pm Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, 602 Plum Street, Red Wing.  A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, June 15^th at 11am at United Lutheran Church, 628 W. 5^th Street, Red Wing, with visitation one hour prior to the service.