Dennis Hanson

Dennis Gene Hanson (82) of Beaver Creek, MN passed away on Sunday March 2, 2025.

Dennis was born in Yankton, South Dakota on October 7, 1942 to Herbert and Nellie Hanson and spent most of his childhood in Valentine, Nebraska. Growing up as the third of five boys meant a childhood filled with adventure and a touch of mischief. Dennis excelled in sports and lettered in football his senior year. Following graduation from Valentine High School, Dennis received an accounting degree from National College of Business in Rapid City, South Dakota where he met and married Gloria (Caldwell) Hanson on June 1, 1963. Dennis and Gloria settled and raised three daughters (Gina, Bonnie and Sandi) in Pierre, South Dakota.

Dennis’s professional career included 25 years with the South Dakota Department of Revenue, and 10 years as the Executive Director for the South Dakota Association of County Commissioners. Dennis was especially known for his many side hustles and business ventures he continued until his passing. As a man of many talents and a meticulous nature, he owned and maintained multiple rental properties, flipped homes with his buddies Fran Keller and Mike Burgee, built and managed a commercial rental property that was used as a medical clinic, and even tried his hand as a rancher! Dennis also spent many years assisting his brother, Stan, in the development of Fritz’s Island Campground along the Niobrara River.

Dennis married Bernie Ripperger on September 15, 2012. In the fall of 2022, they moved from Pierre and settled in Beaver Creek, Minnesota. Dennis enjoyed getting to know new friends and neighbors, improving the property with landscaping, and creating a new gathering place for family and friends dubbed “The Hub”.

Dennis loved a good laugh and was particularly pleased with himself when he could bring shock, awe and laughter to a friend or neighbor.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Nellie Hanson; brothers, Stan Hanson and LeRoy Hanson; son-in-law, Mike Hansen; and granddaughter, Jordan Billet. He is survived by his wife, Bernie Hanson; daughters, Gina Billet, Bonnie Hatterman (Matt), and Sandi Hansen; step-daughter, Amy Grunewaldt (Brian); step-sons, Jeremy Ripperger (Penny), and Mat Ripperger (Breanne); 12 grandchildren; along with numerous friends and acquaintances. His spunky, quick-witted spirit will be missed.

Please visit the following link to view the livestream of Dennis' Memorial Service through the Reformed Church of Steen's YouTube page.

https://www.youtube.com/@steenchurch2165/streams