Darrell Hanson

Dates

Obituary

Darrell Hanson, 90, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Thursday, May 21, at New Home Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at the Servicemen’s Memorial Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-7:00 PM at the church with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Darrell Eugene Hanson was born on November 20, 1935, in Davison County, SD, to Hans and Minnie (Carlson) Hanson. He attended Mitchell schools and graduated from Mitchell Senior High School in 1954. 

On November 20, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Paulsen. Together they raised three children: Lisa, Mark, and Lynne. Darrell and Beverly shared 59 years of marriage before her passing in 2015. Darrell married Karen Tilberg at New Home Lutheran Church in 2017. 

While still a high school senior, Darrell enlisted in the SD National Guard on December 12, 1953. He advanced through the ranks, graduated from Officer Training School in 1962, obtained an associate’s degree from Command and General Staff College in 1985, and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His service included command of Battery A, 147th Field Artillery; leadership during the Rapid City flood; and participation in training with the German and South Korean armies. Darrell retired from the South Dakota National Guard on December 19, 1988, after 35 years of honorable service.

Darrell began his civilian career with Northwestern Public Service in October 1956 as a storeroom clerk in the Mitchell office and was promoted to Line Foreman in 1972. Northwestern Public Service was supportive of his National Guard service, allowing him to successfully pursue both careers.

Darrell enjoyed traveling, camping, and shared his love of hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren.

Left to cherish Darrell's memory are his daughter, Lisa Hagen; son, Mark Hanson (Gail); daughter, Lynne Hanson Kloes (Don); grandchildren: Tara Hagen, Tanya (Josh) Hagen-Lee, Trent (Amy) Hagen, Spencer (DiDi) Hanson, Dr. Trevor Hanson, and Michaela Kloes; great-grandchildren: Addisyn, Audrey, Tarissa, Rhett, Cambree, Hayes, and Amelia; Karen's children and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Minnie Hanson; his first wife, Beverly (Paulsen) Hanson, second wife, Karen (Tilberg) Hanson; sisters, Lorene Lowe, Hazel Simpson, and Alyce Knutson; brothers, Ken and Wayne Hanson; his brothers-in-law; and many other relatives, coworkers, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to New Home Lutheran Church or the American Legion.

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