Obituary: Shirley Ann Hanson

Shirley Ann Hanson passed away at her home in Cloquet on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at the age of 78.

Shirley was born on July 31, 1945, to Lawrence and Lillja (Niemi) Pettit in Carlton, Minnesota. She was raised in Wright, Minnesota, along with her nine siblings and was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. Shirley graduated from Cromwell High School in 1963.

She was united in marriage to Richard "Rick" Hanson on January 13, 1968. Together they moved to numerous places around the United States while Rick served in the United States Army for 18 years. After Rick's deployment, they made their way back to Minneapolis. Shirley worked as a factory worker at a coffee factory during her time in Minneapolis. She later worked as a factory worker at an egg factory in Aitkin, Minnesota. In 1993, she moved back to Wright and took care of her mother until 2004. She then moved to Cloquet, Minnesota. Shirley enjoyed playing bingo, watching television (especially "Gun Smoke"), and reading mystery books. She was very loving and generous throughout her life.

Shirley is survived by her siblings, Raymond (Jill) Pettit of Minneapolis, Marvin (Margaret) Pettit of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, Joyce (Harland) Marsyla of Tamarack, Minnesota, Leroy Pettit Cincinnati, Ohio, and Ervin (Lola) Pettit of Cloquet; sister-in-law, Trish Pettit of Maple Grove, Minnesota; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rick; brothers, Darrell Pettit and Edward Pettit; and sisters, Linda Gillette and Janice Rollins.

A memorial visitation for Shirley begins at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3, until her memorial service at 6:30 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. Arrangements are entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet. To sign an online registry, please visit http://www.nelsonfuneralcare.net.