Memorial services for Charles “Sonny” Hanson, 73, of Albert Lea will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Al Stoa will officiate. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. today at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Sonny passed away at home on Thursday, May 1, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his family as he left to go home to the lord for a well-deserved rest from his struggles.

Sonny loved his family and looked forward to the many camping trips with family. He loved restoring classic cars and was a very talented woodworker. He made many pieces of furniture for his home and for family and friends. He loved going to Nancy’s Café every morning to visit with his friends and the staff. He looked forward to the many visits and the support of his good friend, Orien (Hilo) Loe, who became his “hands” when he could no longer do his own work. He helped with the things he loved – taking care of Sonny’s home and yard. Sonny also loved the many jokes that Hilo told him on his darkest days that always brought a smile to him. It was a great example of God working through people. Thank you, Hilo.

Sonny also looked forward to the welcoming and comfort he received from his church family at First Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his wife, Debra; daughters Denise Hanson of Austin and Lisa Hanson of Mankato; sons David (Kerry) Hanson of Mesa, Ariz., Dan (Shelley) Hanson of Cottage Grove and Darrin Hanson of Burnsville; 19 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Jan Blankenship, of Leland, Iowa; sister-in-law, Linda Hanson, of Mapleton; brother-in-law, Robert Davis, of Mankato; and special friends Al and Tep Christiansen; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Lois and Richard Hanson; his brother, Jerome “Pete” Hanson, and his sister, Carol Davis.