Jerome DOC Hanson

Jerome K. “DOC” Hanson, age 90, of Alexandria, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 1, 2025, at his home.

Funeral services are 11 a.m., on Monday, December 8, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Rev. Karen Young Trenne presiding. Due to inclement weather conditions, interment will now take place at 11:30 a.m., Monday, December 15th, at Hope Lutheran Cemetery in Minneota.

Visitation is 5-7 p.m., on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Jerome was born on February 13, 1935, to Dr. Vernon and Birdie (Mousky) Hanson in Appleton. Jerome lived a long, faithful, and purposeful life centered around family, community, service, and devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jerome was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Deanna, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage, and a loving father to their three children: Kris of Tucson, Arizona; Jackie of Mankato, and Jeri Kay of Phoenix, Arizona. He was a grandfather to Robert Ross, Brandon Ross, Justin Sharp, and Jordan Sharp, and a proud great-grandfather to Amarah, Wyatt, Ruby, Mason, Brett, Brody, and Ashton. After completing his dental training at The University of Minnesota—where he first earned the nickname “DOC”—Jerome practiced dentistry in Appleton, Granite Falls, and Phoenix. He and Deanna raised their family in Granite Falls, where he became known not only as a respected and compassionate dentist but as a man of deep integrity, kindness, and service. At Granite Falls Lutheran Church, DOC served as a Deacon, led 7th grade Sunday School, sang in the church choir, and led Bible studies. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and served as a Boy Scout leader. He also shared his calling by giving sermons at small country churches and at Carlos State Park in Alexandria. A man of many talents, DOC played five musical instruments and had an extraordinary memory for poetry and Biblical scripture. In his 31 years of retirement, he embraced the outdoors—an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer, and accomplished trapshooter. Known everywhere simply as “DOC,” Jerome will be remembered for his gentle humor, humility, musical gifts, and the kindness he extended to all he met. His legacy of love, service, and faith will endure for generations.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Jacqueline Wildgen and Yvonne Egdahl.

Pallbearers are Brandon Ross, Robert Ross, Jordan Sharp, Justin Sharp, Kirk Opdahl, Brandon Almich, Stacey Bengston, Brent Kompelien, Ryan Kompelien, and Stuart Senden. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Sankey, Mike and Judy Fernholz, Char Opdahl, Sharon Kompelien, Shirley and Steve Senden, Jim and JoAnn Almich, and the Gideons.

CHARITABLE DONATIONS GIDEONS INTERNATIONAL, PO BOX 82, Alexandria, MN 56308 or GIDEONS INTERNATIONAL, 7220 N 16th St., Suite F, Phoenix, AZ 85020 or a charity of your choice.