Duane Harold Hanson

Fort Collins resident Duane Harold Hanson, 89, was a loving husband, father of five, grandfather of eight, and great-grandfather of two. Duane passed away peacefully Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Poudre Valley Hospital, Fort Collins, Colorado with his children at his bedside.

Duane was born December 18, 1935 in Dazey, North Dakota to Harold and Judith (Witt) Hanson. In 1937 his family moved to the farm his father was born on, near Ryder, North Dakota. In 1939 his family bought their own farm near Minot, where Duane attended school in a one-room school house until high school. They farmed with horses until 1944 when they bought their first tractor. In 1953 at the age of 17 Duane graduated from Minot High and with encouragement from his mother he enrolled at NDSU in Fargo.

Duane met Colleen Garrity, a student at Moorhead Business School, at a church event and they were married on October 20, 1956. Graduating in 1958 Duane then moved to Dickinson, ND and began working for Farm Credit Services. At 26 years old he became the youngest CEO in the 7th Farm Credit Association of St. Paul District. Duane remained with Farm Credit Services for 27 years and was a friend to many farmers in seven counties in Southwestern North Dakota.

Duane and his wife Colleen raised their five children: Rochelle, Douglas, Kenton, Laurie, and Mark in Dickinson, ND. Duane's dedication as a father and local business leader was very important to him. He was an active member of the Business Community including leadership roles with the Jaycees, Boy Scouts, Elks Club and serving on the City Planning Commission. Duane and Colleen were active members of St. John's Lutheran Church.

In 1985, Duane and Colleen moved to Fort Collins, Colorado. He worked in local real estate before retiring. Growing up on a farm, Duane always had a self proclaimed interest in the outdoors and animals. His love for working in the yard, along with trips to the North Dakota Badlands, Estes Park and Steamboat Springs came from the those early childhood activities. He loved his family and hosting family birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and holidays where he told stories and taught the children all the different sounds animals make.

Duane is survived by his children Douglas (Donna), Kenton, Laurie (Wayne) Welken and Mark (Kendra). Grandchildren include Tyler, Alison, Jordan, Dillon, Kylan, Matthew, Andrew, and Cameron. Great-grandchildren include Walker and Caleb. Duane is preceded in death by his parents, wife Colleen and his daughter, Rochelle Bratton.

A private family celebration of life will be held at 12pm on Saturday September 13, 2025, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 2000 South Lemay Avenue, Fort Collins, with Pastor Michael Stadtmueller officiating. Cremation has taken place with ashes being interred at the Our Saviour's Lutheran Church columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given in Duane's name to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, Colorado.