Virgil Allan Hanson, age 99, of Turlock, California passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022. Virgil was born in 1923 to Harry and Ada Hanson in Aurora, Nebraska. He spent his early years during the depression on the family farm before moving to Turlock as a 7 year old.
He went to local grade schools and began his service for the Lord in earnest while in high school (he was fired from his first job because he chose to keep his commitment of teaching Sunday School to migrant workers rather than work on Sunday). He graduated Turlock High School and was drafted into the Air Corp (US Army) and served during WWII at Wharton Air Base in England. Upon his return, he enrolled and graduated from Biola.
While at Biola he met Alice Silvers. They were married on June 28, 1947. After graduation from Biola they served on the mission field from 1950 through 1963. They returned from Venezuela with 3 children, expecting their 4th.
Virgil served his community wherever there was a need: he was Chaplain at Emmanuel Hospital, a psych tech at Stanislaus County Mental Health, and his many ministries, in particular the Spanish ministry at Turlock Covenant Church and in Stanislaus County. He passionately shared the message of salvation with everyone he met, stranger or friend.
He is survived by his seven children: Stephen Hanson of Turlock, CA, Tim Hanson of Austin, TX, Carolyn Watson (Craig) of Medford, OR, Kathy Haley and (Chris) of Anza, CA [HopeRanch], Larry Hanson (Cathy) of Bennington, NE, Mary Torgerson (Eric) of Waterloo, NE, Tom Hanson (Ginger) of Turlock, CA, as well as 3 step-children: Marilyn Swanson (Bob) of Granada Hills, CA, Connie Rench (Craig) of Corona, CA and Phil Olson (Jeannette) of Kuna, ID; 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren, 23 step-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends he left here on earth.
His first wife Alice, second wife Mollie Olson Hanson, as well as siblings Harriett, Grace and Dean have all gone to be with the Lord.
A funeral service for Virgil will be held Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Hope Covenant Church, 316 S. Laurel Street, Turlock, California. A committal service will occur Monday, October 24, 2022 at 10:00 AM at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 McCabe Road, Santa Nella, California.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hope Covenant Church, 316 S. Laurel Street, Turlock, CA, Missionary Gospel Fellowship, 1300 N Berkeley Ave, Turlock, CA 95380 (www.mgfhq.org), and Hope Ranch Animal Sanctuary, PO Box 391988, Anza, CA 92539 www.HopeRanchAnimalSanctuary.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com for the Hanson family.
