JAMESTOWN, N.D. — A long-serving former Democratic legislator from Jamestown, N.D., is being recognized for his service in conservation and education by political leaders around the state of North Dakota.
Lyle Hanson, 85, died Dec. 23 in Jamestown. He served in the North Dakota House of Representatives from 1979 to 2012 from District 12.
"Every sportsman and teacher knew he had their back," said John Grabinger, former senator from District 12 and running mate to Hanson in two elections. "Education and conservation were the focus of his legislative career."
“As a legislator, he was a staunch supporter of education and the outdoors, twice being recognized with the North Dakota Wildlife Federation’s Legislative Conservationist of the Year Award," Burgum said.
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Joe Kroeber served with Hanson for 18 years representing District 12 in the North Dakota House of Representatives.
"He talked me into running back in 1990," he said. "About half the time he served as a caucus leader."
Kroeber said Hanson primarily concerned himself with finding solutions that worked in the education and conservation fields.
"Lyle worked very well with both sides of the aisle," he said.
Along with his career in the North Dakota Legislature, Hanson taught history at Jamestown Public Schools and served as head track coach for the school. He also officiated high school sporting events, earning him a place in the North Dakota Officials Hall of Fame.
"He took extra pride in the individual state champions on his track team," Kroeber said.
Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., recognized Hanson's commitment to North Dakota's outdoors and its residents Monday.
“Rep. Hanson was an active member of his community and a devoted public servant for our state," Hoeven said in a news release. "He will be remembered for his long service as a state legislator, his work as an educator, his contributions to local athletics and his broad volunteerism."
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According to his obituary, he loved hunting and traveled all over North America to follow his passion. Hanson volunteered for a number of North Dakota and Jamestown organizations including Trinity Lutheran Church, Pheasants Forever, the Elk Foundation, North Dakota Education Association, National Education Association, ND Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited, United Sportsman, Delta Waterfowl and the Spiritwood Foundation. He also authored the North Dakota Game Record book.
Hanson was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Betty. He is survived by a daughter, Patricia (Daniel) Smith, a son, Paul (Kristi) Hanson and four grandchildren.
A private family memorial service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Eddy Funeral Home in Jamestown. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens at Jamestown.
