Obituary of Phyllis Joan Hanson

March 26, 1934 – Lincoln, Nebraska

June 2, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Phyllis Joan Hanson (nee Hagelberger) was brought to her eternal home with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the evening of Sunday, June 2, 2024.

Phyllis’ faith and her love for her family were central to her purpose in life. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Phyllis’ love and affirmation was unwavering. She loved nothing more than family dinner discussions, celebrations, canoeing, swimming, hiking, reading, leading youth and family camps, and spoiling her grandchildren. Phyllis was loving and kind and would fiercely protect those in her care.

Phyllis extended her love to young and old who came into her life through family members, community, and faith-based activities. She was resilient, and strong, and tirelessly welcomed those who were in need into her home. She was in her element single-handedly whipping up a meal for 35 people.

Alongside her husband Gordon, she was passionate about being a steward of God’s love, grace, and compassion; serving others through ministry and counselling, living in harmony, and promoting social justice for those who were wronged.

Phyllis extended her ministry to others by co-facilitating faith-based workshops such as Caring Community, Marriage Enrichment, and Child in Our Hands. One of her greatest delights was working at Augsburg Fortress Bookstore and introducing people to the many wonderful storybooks of love and faith for children.

Phyllis will be lovingly remembered by her children, Peter (Mary) Hanson, Timothy (Cathy) Hanson, Kurt (Elaine Stringer) Hanson, Michele Hanson, Melita (Doug) Hanson-Torwalt, and Beth Anne (Ira) Hanson-Ralph; her grandchildren, Christa, Deborah, and Elissa, Daniel, Thomas, and Sarah, Kristopher and Michael, Jonathan, Brittany, Joshua, Jessica, and Mark, and Hailey; and great-grandchild Bodhi.

Phyllis is also survived by her siblings, Peggy Wigen, Richard Hagelberger, James Hagelberger, Cheri Resch, and Bryan (Linda) Hagelberger, and Bryan Hagelberger; and sisters-in-law, Audrey Barrette and Eileen (Dale) Berglund; as well as many nieces and nephews all of St. Paul, Minnesota.

She was predeceased by her husband Gordon Hanson, her son Mark Hanson, her parents, Edith “Virginia” Hagelberger (nee Haile) and Phillip Arnold Hagelberger; her brothers, Robert Hagelberger and Kenneth “Phillip” Hagelberger; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Warren and Marilyn Hanson; and her brothers-in-law Wesley Barrette and Roger Wigens.

A Memorial Worship Service will be held at Advent Lutheran Church (11 Scenic Acres Gate NW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Canadian Lutheran World Relief, 302 - 393 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B-3H6, Telephone: 1-800-661-2597, www.clwr.org.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Phyllis’ family here.

In living memory of Phyllis Hanson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.