Hanson, Dorothy

Dorothy Hanson, 95, of Manchester, died Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, at Good Neighbor Home, Manchester, from declining health. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at First Lutheran Church, Manchester, with the Rev. Dr. Jean Rabary officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. today at Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Manchester, and one hour before services Tuesday at the church. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Manchester.

Dorothy was born Feb. 28, 1914, in St. Charles, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Ida Smull. She grew up on a farm near St. Charles, where she attended elementary school. She graduated from Indianola High School and continued her education at Simpson College, Drake University and the University of Northern Iowa. She graduated cum laude from the Upper Iowa University receiving her bachelor's and master's degrees.

Dorothy taught for six years in rural schools in Warren and Madison counties and then was an English teacher at Earlham and Storm Lake. While teaching junior English at Earlham, Dorothy met Erling Hanson who was teaching band and vocal music. They were married in 1941. They were considering leaving teaching to go into business when the Department of Public Instruction notified them that there were two teaching positions available in Manchester. Moving to Manchester in 1946, Dorothy taught junior high English for 21 years. After some health problems, Dorothy returned as the high school librarian for another 12 years before retiring in 1976.

Dorothy's pride was her students' strength with English grammar. Her joy was the contact former students kept with her, attesting to by the many boxes of letters and cards she received each year. Upon retirement she commented, “My years of service have seemed short for every day has been a new beginning as I have tried to meet educational challenges presented by students. I have appreciated the great educational advantages I have had at West Delaware - the new facilities, the exceptional learning resources, the many outstanding staff, administrative people, school boards, and most of all, the students that I've had the privilege to work with.” A plaque honoring Dorothy summarized the feelings of many of her students: “It may come from me, but it truly comes in behalf of hundreds who have been blessed by your love and devotion.”

The Hansons loved to travel. Their home was a testimony to their many interesting trips. Dorothy also collected many kinds of antiques with a special love for glass and china plates. She was a member of First Lutheran Church, where for many years she sang in the choir which was directed by Erling. In 2006, Erling and Dorothy gifted the Manchester community with $250,000 toward a beautiful performing arts center which was named in their honor.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Erling Hanson, in 2008; one brother and two sisters.

She is survived by two brothers-in-law; several nieces and nephews; and many friends and former students.

Memorials may be directed to Regional Medical Hospice of Comfort, the Good Neighbor Home or Regional Medical Center in Manchester.

Please sign the online guest book for Dorothy at under obituaries.