Janice M Hanson

Janice Marion (Barden) Hanson died peacefully on October 23 2026.

She was born January 19, 1932 in Stanley, ND to Elsie (Olson) and Vernon Barden. She was raised in Noonan, ND where she graduated in 1950. She remained close to her high school friends for her lifetime, many hours spent laughing on the telephone or in person.

She attended UND in Grand Forks for two years and was a member of KAPPA ALPHA THETA sorority. She moved to Minneapolis in the summer of 1952, where she lived and worked for the next decade. While she was a young single woman in Minneapolis, she made many lifelong friends with whom she enjoyed an active single gal’s life. She was an avid skier and traveled to many US and European ski destinations. She maintained those friendships with visits and calls throughout the years.

She met Erwin Hanson at a wedding in McGregor. They had a long distance relationship before marrying on September 21, 1963. They made their permanent home in McGregor, ND. They adopted two beautiful children, Susan and Kent.

Janice lived a busy life while raising her children; active in the church, volunteering at the local hospital, bowling league, playing bridge, school and sporting events, ND Pottery Collectors Society, and general community activities. Winter family ski trips to Montana were often, where Susan and Kent kept up with Janice very well as they were both very athletic and good skiers. Summer vacations to Seattle were regular events with the extended Hanson family. She was a collector of various antiques and her home was filled with treasures from the past; both family heirlooms and auction acquired prizes.

Her personal passion was pottery. She was a charter member and board member of the North Dakota Pottery Collectors Society. Her prized Rosemeade collection was proudly displayed for years.

When Janice and Erwin retired, they spent winters in Sun City, AZ to be close to daughter Susan and her family. They returned to McGregor in the summers to be close Kent and his family. Janice‘s pride and joy were her 5 grandchildren, Dacotah, Bree, Drew, Lane and Ryan. Janice moved permanently to Sun City in 2017 for her remaining years. She was well cared for at home with her ‘hired ladies’ and then in assisted living for several years. She had many dedicated and wonderful caregivers; kind and loving people who treated her with dignity and respect.

Janice is survived by daughter Susan Hanson-Plutowski (Darin), grandchildren Drew Plutowski, Ryan Plutowski (Joy), Lane Plutowski (Kayla), Dacotah Hanson, Bree Hanson-Orr (Tyler), brother Lance Barden, sister-in-law Joy Barden and family, brother-in-law Guy Feland and family, sister-in-law Midge Hanson and family, many beloved cousins and dear friends.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband Erwin, son Kent, brothers Larry and Lowell Barden, sister Marilyn Feland and nephew Michael, Brothers-in-law Jim and Oliver Hanson and nephew Dennis, Bill Duncan and nephew Bob, Frank Bjodstrup, George Barkley; sisters-in-law Zona Hanson, Elene Duncan, Pearl Bjodstrup, and Fern Barkley; many cousins and dear, lifelong friends.

Memorial service:
Friday November 20, 2026
11:00 am followed by immediate burial and luncheon
Zion Lutheran Church
McGregor ND

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to:
Zion Lutheran Church McGregor
P.O. Box 155
McGregor ND 58755

Upper Missouri Ministries/Springbrook Bible camp
PO Box 111
12601 58th St NW
Epping, ND 58843