Clifford Hanson

PRC Clifford Theodore “Ted” Hanson, US Navy Retired, 91, died Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors.

Ted was born December 23, 1930 to Clifford and Ethel (Johnson) Hanson at the family home in Larsmont, where he grew up. He attended schools in Two Harbors, and after high school, entered the U.S. Navy and served his country from 1948 to 1968. In 1951, Ted married Lela Kate “Lee” Harrell in Elizabeth City, N.C. While aboard the USS Randolph CV-15, he was proud to be part of the helicopter crew on astronaut rescue missions, and later the Cuban crisis of 1962.

Returning to Two Harbors after leaving the Navy, he managed the London House in Duluth and later the American Legion in Two Harbors. With his wife, Ted designed, built, and operated Penmarallter Campground in Two Harbors until retiring in 1992. During this time, he also operated a John Deere dealership for several years.

After retiring,Ted and Lee enjoyed adventures and making new friends in the Honey Bees motorhome club, and visiting old military friends. He enjoyed many hours snowmobiling, hunting, and the outdoors with his shack partners, family and friends. He also enjoyed rebuilding, and showing his vintage cars.

Ted had many hobbies and was known in the family for his carpentry skills, especially building curio cabinets for his children, kitchen sets for his granddaughters and kitchen squirrels.

Ted was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the American Legion, and the Loyal Order of Moose where after 50 years, recently was honored as life member.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents;  his wife, Lela Kate “Lee” in 2013; and sister, Rosalyne Mattson.

He is survived by his children, Pennie (Stan) Burton, Clifford Allen Hanson, Marilyn (Chris) Deg, and Terry Gilbertson; grandchildren, Shanna, Sherri, Curtis, Heather, Stephanie, Jackie, Katie, James, and Laura Kate; 14 great-grandchildren and another expected soon; a brother, Adrian (Cheryl) Hanson; a special cousin, Wayne (Carolyn) Johnson; and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM service on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Burial with military honors will be in the Veteran’s section of Lakeview Cemetery. To share your memories or condolences online please visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.