Alvin “Al” Charles Hanson passed away peacefully on March 4, 2019 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota following a brief illness.
 Alvin was born July 2, 1935 to Charles and Inez Hanson on the family farm in Adrian Township. He attended Banner #3 elementary school and also Nortonville High School. He entered the US Navy at the age of 17 in May of 1953. During his naval career Al proudly served on the USS Newport News, The USS Missouri, The USS Bayfield and The USS Evans. He had 2 tours of duty in the Vietnam War and 1 tour of duty in the Korean War. Over the course of his 22 years in service he had the pleasure of traveling the world. He took great joy in telling the stories of his many adventures.

Al married Dorthea Voelger in 1955 at Bremerton, Washington. To this union three children were born Shelly, Paula and Bradley. He moved to Westminster, California where he owned and operated Hanson Refrigeration Service. He married Arlene Roe on June 5th 1969. Al enjoyed being a stepfather to her daughters Christine and LaRay. Around 1990 he moved back to North Dakota where he owned and operated the The Lariat Bar in Nortonville. Al’s entrepreneurial adventures expanded to the growing and marketing of shallots and elephant garlic earning the name The North Dakota Garlic King, of which he was very proud.

Al was married to Jean Mann on 12-13-2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They shared a fulfilling life full of adventure and surprises. Al always lived life to the fullest. In the twilight of his life he greatly enjoyed in company of step-granddaughters Ailey and Bria. He came from a large family having 13 brothers and sisters. He was known by many friends and family as a man with a large heart, generous spirit and his colorful sense of humor.

Al is survived by his wife Jean; daughters, Shelly (Don) Davis,Vashon, Washington and Paula Nielens, Gig Harbor, Washington; son, Bradley (Heidi) Nielens, Seattle, WA; step-daughters, Christine (Norbert) Carr Capistrano Beach, CA, LaRay Moio Colorado Springs, CO, and Korie Schwartzbauer, Jamestown, ND; step-son, Jason (Amanda) Schaffer, Jamestown, ND; sisters, Mavis Smith, Adrian ND, Karen (Leon) Lagodinski, Edgeley ND, Debra Kitchel, Nyrobi Kenya Africa, and Tracy Dale, Jamestown, ND; brothers, Arnold, Adrian, ND, Donald (Maryette) Adrian ND, Gene (Darlene) Edgeley, ND, Dale, Jamestown ND, Kenneth (Iris) Aurora, CO, Randy, Watford City, ND and Brian,Ypsilanti, N.D; sisters-in-law, Sandy Hanson, Jamestown, ND; Elaine Hanson, Pasadena, TX; many grandchildren, step-grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Inez Hanson; brothers Lyle and Gary; brothers-in-law, Leighton Smith and Larry Kitchel; and sister-in-law, Sandy Hanson.

It was Alvin’s wish that donations be made to any veteran’s organization in his memory.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2019 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Jamestown, with Pastor Joel Winkler and Pastor Bryce Tahran officiating.

Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.

Interment: North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND, at a later date in May 2019.