ST. ANSGAR — Gwenyth Evelyn Hanson, a longtime St. Ansgar resident whose life was shaped by family, faith, education and deep roots across North Iowa, died Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Nora Springs Care Center. She was 81.
Gwenyth was born September 27, 1944, in Northwood to Harry and Evelyn Hillman.
According to her obituary, she was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Northwood and graduated from Northwood-Kensett High School in 1962. During her school years, she took part in band, drama and cheerleading, was crowned Homecoming Queen and represented her school as a queen candidate at the North Iowa Band Festival.
She later attended Luther College in Decorah and Mason City Junior College before earning an elementary education degree from Mankato State University in 1966.
Gwenyth married Harvey Hanson on September 17, 1966, at First Lutheran Church in Northwood.
The couple lived in Austin, Minnesota, Ringsted and Grafton before making St. Ansgar their home in 1973. They raised three children, Kevin, Cameron and Kathryn.
Gwenyth briefly worked as a teacher in Austin before stepping away from the classroom to devote her time to raising her family.
Faith and church service remained an important part of her life.
At First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, she served in numerous roles over the years, including as a Sunday School teacher, church council secretary and president of the women’s group. She was also involved with Mary Ruth Circle and participated in both the church choir and handbell choir.
According to her obituary, Gwenyth later helped with her husband’s livestock hauling business and also enjoyed collecting Lenox pieces.
She is survived by her son Kevin of Osage and his children, Jenna Manning, Jayden Hanson and Joryn Hanson; son Cameron of Charles City, his wife Stephanie and their sons, Carter and Brady; son-in-law Chad Mills of Northwood and his sons, Tyler and Justin; and great-grandson Callen Manning.
She is also survived by sisters-in-law Wanda Hillman, Sharon Gordon and Darlene Meling; brother-in-law Luther Hanson; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Gwenyth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harvey, who died in 2011; her daughter, Kathryn, who died in 2019; her brother, Wayne Hillman; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.
Her family expressed appreciation to the staff of Nora Springs Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for the care provided to Gwenyth.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, 212 N. Main St. in St. Ansgar.
The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Friday, July 24, at First Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Paul Weeg officiating.
Burial will follow the service at Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood.
Hoff Celebrations – Schroeder Chapel of St. Ansgar is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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