Ralph A. Hanson, 88, formerly of Nickerson Township, lately of Sandstone Healthcare Center, passed away February 9, 2024, at the Essentia Health hospital in Sandstone. He was born July 2, 1935, on a farm in Bruno Township to his parents Walter A. and Freida F. (Newman) Hanson.

Ralph grew up with his younger sister, Barbara, helping with the chores on the farm on which they lived. He graduated from Askov High School in 1952 and in 1958 entered the U.S. Army. While serving in the Signal Corps in Japan, Ralph met his future wife, Kazuko Ishii.

After his time in the U.S. Army, Ralph returned to Japan and on June 18, 1962, married Kazuko in Yokohama. Back in the U.S by July of 1962, they would live a short time with his parents before purchasing an old homestead of over a hundred acres in Nickerson Township where their daughter Rosanna was born and raised.

Ralph served his community well by being a member for many years of the Nickerson Township and the Riverside Cemetery boards.

Ralph worked as a hardboard production operator at Superwood in Duluth from 1965 and retiring in 1997.

For fun, Ralph loved to square dance with Kazuko, spend time with his family and with his dogs, and travel the U.S. on vacations. He also read voraciously, mostly Westerns, sci-fi and other fiction books.

Ralph is survived by his daughter Rosanna (Brent); granddaughter Elizabeth; sister Barbara; sister-in law Kinuko (Seizaburo); nieces Jennie and Michiko (Tachigushi); nephew Mituteru; grand-nephews Tyler and Andrew (Sheridan); and other relatives and friends.

Ralph is preceded in death by his wife, Kazuko, and his parents, Walter and Freida.

Ralph's family would like to express their appreciation to Moose Lake Village and Sandstone Healthcare Center, and the Essentia Health hospitals in Duluth and Sandstone for their care of Ralph during his final years.