Lyle Hanson – December 23, 2020

 Lyle Leroy Hanson, passed away December 23rd, 2020 at Ave Maria, Jamestown, ND. Born in Sargent County, North Dakota to Arthur and Ethel (Thompson) Hanson on May 11th, 1935. He met Elizabeth Schauer at Ellendale College and they were married August 27, 1958.

They were blessed with two beautiful children Patricia Ann and Paul Allan. Later on, he achieved his master’s degree in Educational Administration from the Moorhead State University. He started his teaching and coaching career in Garrison, ND and then eventually moved to Jamestown and taught history at Jamestown Public Schools. While in Jamestown he was the head track coach and had numerous state records, individual and relay state champions and some of them still hold school records. He was also a basketball referee for over 25 years and is in the North Dakota Officials Hall of Fame. In 2019 Lyle was inducted to the Jamestown High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 1979 and served 34 years, 16 of those years he was the House Caucus Chairman. While serving in the legislature he was on the Education and Natural Resources Committees. In 1981 and 2003 he received the ND Wildlife Federation Legislative Conservationist of the Year Award. Lyle loved hunting and traveled all over North America to follow his passion. He enjoyed time at the lake cabin watching the birds and spending time with his family. Lyle spent many days and hours giving back to North Dakota and the community of Jamestown volunteering at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pheasants Forever, the Elk Foundation, NDEA, NEA, ND Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited, United Sportsman, Delta Waterfowl, the Spiritwood Foundation and built and put up many wood duck houses around the Jamestown area. Lyle also authored the North Dakota Game Record book. He is survived by their daughter Patricia (Daniel) Smith and son Paul (Kristi) Hanson, and grandchildren Benjamin (Danika) Smith, Casandra (Rick) Ortiz, Katlin Smith, and Charles Hanson. He is preceded in death by his parents Art and Ethel, brother Emmet and his wife of 61 years Betty.

His private memorial service will be at 10am Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 at Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND. Inurnment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens following the service. Arrangements by Eddy Funeral Home.