Orin T. Hanson of Cape Coral, FL passed away at the age of 84 on Sunday, December 1, 2013. He was born in Hector, MN and was preceded in death by his wife Charlene, his parents Henry and Gena Hanson, a brother Robert and his wife Helen, his son-in-law John Gillespie and brother-in-law Merle Walter.
He is survived by his sister Doris Walter, daughters Arlene Gillespie, Susan (Mike) Grames, and Jennifer Lykken. Also, grandsons Mike Litwin, Jeff (Betsy) Litwin, Tim Litwin, James Marshall, David (Angela) Marshall, Kirk Gillespie, Steve Gillespie and grandaughters Lynn Litwin, Annette (Brian) Hundt, and Lori Gillespie. Great grandsons Brad Litwin, Brian Litwin, Christopher Litwin, Kyle Litwin, Trevor Klemke,
DJ Marshall, Jake Marshall and great grandaughters Aimiee Litwin, Jessica Litwin and Courteney Gillespie, as well as nephews Dale Walter, Scott Walter, Phillip Hanson and Steve Hanson and nieces Rebecca Wolverton, Sandy Peterson, and Peggy Hanson.
Hanson attended the University of Minnesota while in the Navy Reserves. After college he farmed briefly in Hector, MN. In 1954 he joined the US Department of Agriculture ASCS Agency in St. Paul, MN. In 1964 he became manager of the Agriculture & World Trade Division of the Greater Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce. While at the Chamber, he took the first official US Trade Mission to the Soviet Union and
eastern Europe. He took other trade missions to Russia, eastern Europe, Mexico and Canada. He was one of the first Americans invited to China after President Nixon's visit in 1972. He was also a consultant to several businesses. In 1974 he returned to the US Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC where he worked on environmental and conservation programs and issues. He had many friends in government, business and in the US Congress and the Foreign Diplomatic Corp.
He retired in 1986 and spent his time between his home in Trego, WI and Cape Coral, FL. He was an avid traveler, having visited all 50 states and 45 countries, either on business or pleasure. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and sports. He was a member of the Masons, Elks and the National Wildlife Federation.
He was a much-loved, kind and generous man, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 9th at 11:00 am at Christ Lutheran Church in Cape Coral. No flowers please. Memorials can be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Ft. Myers, FL 33908. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com to leave thoughts and memories for his family.
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