Debra Jean Hanson

Debra Jean (Mattson) Hanson, 58, passed away peacefully Friday night, June 21st, 2013, at her home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. She had fought a courageous battle with ovarian cancer for 4 years. Debra was born January 26, 1955, to Doris and Vernon Mattson in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She attended Lake Park High School and graduated from Northwest Technical College with a degree in computer programming. She married Dwight Hanson of Detroit Lakes on January 25th, 1975, in Hitterdal, Minnesota. They began a dairy and beef cattle farm in the late 80's. She lived and worked here until her death. She took great pride in working with the farm and caring for all the animals. Family was most important to her. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She cherished the opportunity to spend time with her young grandchildren on the farm, teaching them how to care for baby calves. Debbie was a kind and giving person and had a great sense of humor. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by her whole family. Debra is survived by Dwight, her husband of 38 years; two sons, Derek (Summer) Hanson, Hawley, MN, Dustin (Andrea) Hanson, Hawley, MN and one daughter, Danelle Hanson, Moorhead, MN; 4 grandchildren (Anna, Avva, Tyler and Arra Hanson); her mother Doris Mattson, Lake Park, MN; one sister, Betty (Richard) Mattfeld, Underwood, MN; three brothers, Robert (Julie) Mattson, Richard (Lisa) Mattson and Roger (Laurie) Mattson, all of Lake Park, MN; many nieces and nephews. Debra was preceded in death by her dad Vernon Mattson, nephew, Jesse Mattson and brother-in-law, Gary "Chester" Hanson.