Carl John “C. John” Hanson, age 88, of Parkers Prairie, died on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at St. William’s Living Center in Parkers Prairie under the care of Hospice of Douglas County.

Services are pending.

Carl John Hanson was born on June 23, 1937, to Waymond and Mayme (Bartz) Hanson in Alexandria. He grew up in rural Nelson, where he was baptized and confirmed at Fahlun Lutheran Church. C. John attended country school near Nelson and later graduated from Central High School in Alexandria. While still in school, he began his service with the Army National Guard, serving his country faithfully for many years. C. John was united in marriage to Yvonne" Vonnie" Forster on September 4, 1956, in Iowa. After their marriage, they first lived in the Twin Cities before settling on Vonnie’s parents’ farm near Belle River, where C. John farmed and milked cows for two years. They later spent time in Albert Lea, where C. John worked for a local farmer, before returning to Osakis. There, they lived in town while C. John worked for KLEM Oil Company, and later made their home in rural Nelson, where he drove milk truck for the Nelson Creamery. In 1970, they purchased a farm outside Parkers Prairie, a place that became home. There, C. John farmed, milked cows, and drove truck for Carlson Trucking in Parkers Prairie for several decades. In retirement, C. John found his greatest joy in helping his children and grandchildren—whether it was mowing lawns, building fences, remodeling projects, or simply being there whenever he was needed. In quieter moments, he enjoyed reading, especially Westerns and National Geographic, always curious about the world beyond his own fields. He also cherished time spent hunting pheasants and deer and fishing alongside Vonnie. Most of all, his greatest pride and joy was his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Timothy; brother David; and brother-in-law, Gerald Sather.

C. John is survived by his wife of 69 years, Vonnie; seven children, Gerald (Cindy) Hanson of Albertville, Renee (Rick) Drellack of McIntosh, Neil (Mario Molina) Hanson of Palm Springs, California, Irmadene (Wayne Freimuth) Hanson, John "Jack" (Tiffanie Tesch) Hanson, Noland (Deanna Bristlin-Wangerin) Hanson all of Parkers Prairie, and Emajean (Jon) Hanson- Ford of Evansville; brother, Richard (Sherilyn) Hanson of Bloomington; two sisters, Barbara Sather of Nelson and Deb (Cliff) Teusch of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin; daughter-in-law, Lola of Parkers Prairie; 17 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.