Harlan Clarence Hanson was born on November 29, 1939, in Heron Lake, Minnesota to the late Maurice and Alice (Freemire) Hanson. He was baptized at the United Methodist Church where he was later confirmed. Harlan graduated from Heron Lake High School in 1957. On October 26, 1974, Harlan was united in marriage to Mary Nelson at the Woodlake Lutheran Church in Richfield, Minnesota. Together they raised two daughters and two sons, Mitzi, Deb, Eric and Mike. In 1961, Harlan joined his Dad in the family business to become the third-generation owner of Hanson's Well Drilling. For nearly 60 years, Harlan operated the business until his retirement in January of 2021. Harlan loved working outdoors and helping people. It was not uncommon to see Harlan sitting lakeside on vacation taking a call to help someone whose well had run dry. Harlan was a lifelong resident of Heron Lake and was very active in the community. He served on the council and cemetery board for the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He also served on the City Council from 1973-2007 (34 years) and on the Fire Department from 1969-2009 (40 years). In his free time, Harlan enjoyed fishing, bowling, crossword puzzles, and westerns. He was a gifted storyteller and enjoyed telling jokes and talking to everyone. His quick wit and snappy comebacks brought much laughter and will be missed. His true joy was spending time with his family at the lake in Park Rapids where many great memories were made through the years. Recently, Harlan was placed in hospice care in his lifelong home. He passed away there peacefully on Saturday, July 30th, 2022, at the age of 82 years. Harlan is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Mary Hanson of Heron Lake; four children and their spouses, Mitzi (Jeff) Moore of North Mankato; Deb (Tracy) Shell of Orlando, FL; Eric (Tammy) Hanson of Sioux Falls, SD; Mike (Christa) Hanson of Fargo, ND; seven grandchildren, Zelene and Harlow Moore, Brooke Shell, Ethan Hanson, AnnaMarie, Zachary, and Grayson Hanson; two sisters, Rene (Ray) Hardke of Rochester, MN; Ruthie Hanson of Minneapolis; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Harlan is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Roberta (Hanson) Andring; nephew and niece, Maurice and Roberta 'Bobbie' Ann Tomford. Blessed be the memory of Harlan Hanson.