James "Jim" LeRoy Hanson

James Hanson, 94, of Zumbrota, passed away peacefully at his home on January 14, 2026. He had just spent several days with his three children celebrating Christmas and enjoying time together.

Jim was born in his home on a farm in central Minnesota where he grew up. He helped on the farm, excelled in school, played saxophone, and graduated from Alexandria Area High School. He graduated from St. Olaf College where he met his wife Anita.

Jim began his lifelong career as a Lutheran pastor, serving parishes in Middle River, Greenbush, Strathcona, and Tyler (MN) before becoming Youth Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Aberdeen (SD).

His work as a youth pastor touched many lives. He began as campus pastor at Northern State College but soon focused on developing programs for junior high and high school youth, taking them on regular summer trips to such places as Riding Mountain National Park, Minneapolis, Atlantic Mountain Ranch, and his own childhood farm. He developed a performing youth group called Sound of Celebration that featured music, dance, and drama. At its peak it consisted of upwards of 200+ high school kids from across Aberdeen, and it performed for audiences throughout South Dakota.

His final call was to serve as pastor at the Chapel in the Hills in Rapid City (SD), replica of the Borgund Stave Church in Norway. As pastor he conducted evening vesper services throughout the summers and performed hundreds of weddings.

Jim retired and moved to Zumbrota (MN). There he volunteered and was often seen at the Zumbrota Golf Club. He made many friends there and was active within the community, which he came to love. He was supported by many wonderful people in his last years, for which his family is deeply grateful. He regularly expressed his gratitude for them and how they blessed his life.

Jim Hanson was devoted to his family, his friends, and the communities where he lived. He was a life-long golfer, playing into his 90th year. His quiet demeanor reflected a spirit devoted to contemplating the big questions of life as well as listening to and caring for the people around him. He will be missed by many. He is remembered by his three children, sister, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in Zumbrota on May 22 at 2:00 p.m. at United Redeemer Lutheran Church. Arrangements are with the Mahn Family Funeral Home in Zumbrota (MN). Memorial gifts may be made to St. Olaf College, The Chapel in the Hills (Rapid City, SD), or other organizations that serve the needy and vulnerable.