Emily Jean Hanson

Emily Jean Hanson was born on April 12, 1987, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Karl and Teresa (Stephens) Hanson. She passed away on October 20, 2022, in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.

As a child, Emily was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church Height of Land. She grew up on a dairy farm north of Perham, where she had many adventures with her brothers. Emily attended school in Frazee and graduated from Frazee High School with the class of 2005. While she was in school, she was active in FFA, choir, cross country, and track. She was also a cheerleader and enjoyed playing softball with her youth church league.

After high school, Emily worked as a CNA. She was always such a hard worker and bonded closely with both the residents as well as her coworkers. In 2010 she fell in love with her life partner, Johnny.

Throughout her life, Emily enjoyed the outdoors. She loved deer hunting and spending time down at “the lake” with her family and friends. Emily had an exceptional talent when it came to both singing and painting. She was a social butterfly and made friends everywhere she went. She always made sure to tell everyone that she loved them…

Emily had a special place in her heart for animals. She loved dogs, cats, and horses. She spent much of her time with her dogs Smokey and Bandit as well as her cat Sully and would never hesitate to take in another if needed. She also loved spending time with children, especially her nieces, nephews, and cousins but particularly her own: Claire Louise and Finn Scott.

She is survived by her parents: Karl and Teresa Hanson; children Claire and Finn; life partner Johnny Frey; siblings: Joshua (Amber) Hanson, Aaron (Rose) Hanson, Seth (April) Hanson; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and other extended family and friends.

She is proceeded in death by her grandparents Lee and Betty Hanson of Frazee, MN, Marion “Granny Lou” Fowler of Bonham, TX., as well as Johnny’s parents Scott and Carlee Frey of Frazee, MN.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, October 27th at West Kjos Funeral Home from 4-8. The funeral will be at 11:00 on Friday with a one-hour visitation prior to the service at the Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes. Following the funeral there will be a burial at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Height of Land with a private gathering to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that all memorials go to the future care of Emily's children.  An account is being set up at United Community Bank.  Checks can be made out to the Emily Hanson Memorial Fund.