On a cold, Nebraska night, December 15, 1930, Dean was born to Harry and Ada Hanson at their Aurora farm. The youngest of four, Dean’s siblings included Harriet (Olson), Virgil, and Grace (Bullard). In the fall of 1936, the family moved to Turlock, California, where Dean attended Hawthorne and Lowell Grammar schools, and graduated from Turlock High School in 1948.
Although intending to pursue further education at Modesto Junior College, after a trip to Shelton, Washington with Virgil’s future in-laws, Dean found his calling. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Wells of Well’s Flower Shop in Olympia, Washington, took Dean under their wing. As apprentice to these marvelous teachers (both having taught floral design in Chicago), Dean received his training for a lifelong career in the floral profession.
In 1951, Dean enlisted in the U.S. Air force. Before leaving for Texas, he was married to Myrtle Blad in a quiet ceremony at the church parsonage. After four years in San Antonio, where Dean attained the rank of Staff Sargent, the couple moved back to Turlock, where son David was born two weeks later. Dean was employed at Turlock Flower Shop.
Son Kendall was born in December of 1957, the same year the young couple opened what would become a flourishing flower and gift shop on Lander Avenue in Turlock. Sixteen years later, the space outgrown, Dean Floral moved across town to the Masonic temple building. After another 16 years serving the community, Dean and Myrt sold the shop and filled their retirement years with the activities they enjoyed. They loved hunting for “treasures” at yard sales and antique stores, and were renowned for their gracious hospitality, offered to their many friends and family members. A life-long member of Turlock Covenant Church, and the 12:10 Lions Club, Dean also enjoyed playing the piano and organ, and in later years volunteered at Emanuel Hospital in the gift shop.
Dean Hanson was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, and his beloved wife Myrt. He will be greatly missed by his sons and their wives, David J. and Janet Hanson of Granite Bay, and Kendall D. and Pam Hanson of Turlock, his brother Virgil Hanson, seven grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.
Remembrances can be made to:
Turlock Covenant Church
316 S. Laurel Street
Turlock, CA 95380
Turlock Christian Schools
1619 E. Monte Vista Avenue
Turlock, CA 95380
North Park University
3225 West Foster Ave
Chicago, IL 60625-4895
Arrangements under the direction of Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service (FD504), Turlock, CA.
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