Alvin Hanson

Alvin M. Hanson, 82, of Waukon, IA, died Thursday, January 28, 2016, at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 1st, at 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon with Rev. Lynn Groe officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may call from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Sunday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.


Alvin Martin Hanson was born April 25, 1933, in Waukon, IA, the son of Carl J. and Josephine (Hanson) Hanson. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon, and attended Hanson rural country school. Alvin served in the United States Army from 1953 until 1955, spending time in Germany. On September 8, 1962, he married Lyla Runice in La Crescent, MN. He was a mechanic for John Deere and Sweeney's DX, both in Waukon. Alvin also hauled rock for Bresnahan Construction and managed the Village Motel.

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and the VFW. Alvin enjoyed spending time with his family, watching old war movies and westerns, and working on cars.

Survivors include his wife Lyla of Waukon; his children: Denise (Brian) Wullner of Waukon, Janet (Jeff) Mezera of Prairie du Chien, WI, Jeff Hanson of Waukon, and Debra (John) Pladsen of Chanhassen, MN; eight grandchildren: Justin and Jordan Mezera, Sarah Wullner, Joey, Ethan, and Emily Hanson, and Katie and Will Pladsen; a great-granddaughter Breqlynn Mezera; and two step-grandchildren: Donny Nykannen and Kevin Belle. He is preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter Jamie Mezera; and two sisters: Anna and Carol Hanson.


Honorary casketbearers are Alvin's grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Casketbearers are Gary Robertson, Jimmy Hanson, Robert Hanson, Jim Pladsen, Brian Wullner, and Jeff Mezera.