Byron Hanson, 72, of Owatonna died Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, at Owatonna Hospital surrounded by family.

Funeral service is set for 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Brick-Meger Funeral Home. Friends may greet the family from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. Interment will take place at a later date.

Byron was born April 17, 1945, in Blooming Prairie to parents Carl and Anna (Arett) Hanson, and grew up on a farm in Deerfield outside of Medford. 

He graduated from Medford High School in 1963, and married Janet (Mohs). 

After high school he was in sales with Singer Sewing Co., and in 1964 he began working for the Minnesota Highway Department. He and Janet started a Shaklee distributorship in 1969, during which time the family lived in Rogers, Arkansas, for several years.

In 1982 Byron returned to Minnesota, where he managed B&J Sewing Center. His passion for business led him and Janet to open and operate their own business, A-Plus Sew & Vac, in 1990.

He and Janet helped found El Shaddai Christian School in Owatonna.

Later in life, Byron attended Logos University, studied theology and graduated with a master’s degree in pastoral studies. In 2001, he retired due to health reasons. He enjoyed travelling. He and Janet took many wonderful trips in the U.S. and abroad. He spent many summers fishing and fall seasons hunting with family and friends.

Byron is survived by his best friend of 55 years, Janet; children Vern (Lisa) Hanson of Hayward, Annette (Mike) Schneckloth of Mantorville, Priscilla (Craig) Koeckeritz of Mendota Heights and Matthew (Bridgett) Hanson of Eagan; 19 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Raymond Hanson, of Albert Lea; and sisters Mavis Parrish of Albert Lea, Catherine Yule of Owatonna and Iris (Joseph) Donkers of Owatonna.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Gordon; three brothers-in-law, Eugene Parrish, Wayne Yule and Jerry Jirele; and sister-in-law, Vivian Hanson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Mary’s Catholic School. For more information or to leave an online condolence message, go to www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com.