Merna M. Hanson

Juniata resident Merna M. Hanson, 89, passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, NE. 

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 5, at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hastings with Pastor Paul Hirsch officiating. The burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Hastings. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. with the family present Wednesday, December 4, at the funeral home, and one hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be given to Threads of Grace or the donor’s choice. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Merna’s obituary and click the play button shown towards the bottom of the page.

Merna was born June 13, 1935, in Blue Hill, NE to Carl and Margaret (Kort) Oltman. She graduated from Hastings High School. Merna married Floyd Oscar Hanson on September 9, 1951; he preceded her in death on April 15, 2021. 

Merna Hanson, a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and treasured great-grandmother, passed away surrounded by the family she so deeply loved. Her life was a shining example of kindness, creativity, and devotion, touching countless lives through her generosity and talents. Merna was the beloved wife of Floyd Hanson, mother of four children, grandmother to 15, and great-grandmother to 16. Her family was her greatest pride and joy, and she extended her love to nieces, nephews, and anyone fortunate enough to be in her circle.

A talented and hardworking woman, Merna spent much of her career in sales, where her dedication and expertise earned her numerous awards. Beyond her professional achievements, she found joy in sharing her skills and passions as a 4-H leader, teaching cooking and sewing to young learners and leaving a lasting impact on her community.

Her creative talents extended to competitions, where Merna thrived. She excelled in the "Make It Yourself with Wool" contest and delighted in participating in open-class events at the county fair and state fair baking contests, earning accolades and admiration for her remarkable skills. She was known for her impeccable style, warm spirit, and willingness to help anyone in need, she was always just a phone call away—ready to troubleshoot a failed recipe, guide a sewing project, or simply listen. Merna’s life on the family farm was filled with purpose and love. She helped her husband raise sheep, goats, cattle, and hogs, sharing the rewards and lessons of farm life with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. This was displayed each summer when they all participated in 4-H. Fall was an especially cherished time, as her son hosted hunters on the farm. Merna took great delight in preparing the post-hunt feasts, which were as memorable as the hunts themselves.

A gracious hostess, Merna loved entertaining, especially during the holidays. Her home was always open, and welcoming family and anyone without a place to go. Mornings often found her with a strong cup of coffee and a cookbook, selecting new recipes to delight her family. She was the heart of every gathering, creating cherished memories around her table.

Merna was deeply devoted to her church, where she led efforts to prepare meals for events with the same care and dedication she brought to her family. 

Merna will be remembered for her generous heart, impeccable sense of style, and the warmth she brought into every room. Her legacy of kindness, warmth, and hospitality will live on in the hearts of her family and the countless lives she touched. Merna was preceded in death by her parents; son and daughter-in-law, Lynn & Rhonda Hanson; son-in-law, Larry Weiss; granddaughter-in-law, Morgan Hanson; brothers, Bill Oltman and Doran Oltman; and sister, MaryAnn Trupp. 

SURVIVORS:
Daughters & Spouses: 
    Mary & Jim Williams – Juniata, NE
    Marcia Weiss – Trumbull, NE
    Beverly & Richard Randazzo – Lincoln, NE
Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, and many other family members