Vernon "Vernie/Vern" C. Hanson, age 89, passed away at home on his Elk Mound farm with family at his side on the evening of December 3, 2023. He was born on March 30, 1934 to Harold and Laura (Olson) Hanson and lived his entire life on the family farm. He met Ruth Stark at Albertville and created many memories at Fournier's Ballroom before being married on December 28, 1957. Vernie milked 52 cows and always had youngstock along with crop farming. In 1998 he sold the cows and retired from dairy farming, but kept crop farming with his red Farmall tractors for several years. Vern began a second career as a substitute bus driver for the Elk Mound Area School District before becoming a full time driver and eventually head bus driver. He loved driving school bus and said it was the easiest job he ever had (because he loved it so much!). For most of his adult life, Vern was actively involved with Barum Lutheran Church serving in different capacities on the Church Council. He also served on the Colfax Farmers Union/Cenex Board, was a board member of Dunn Energy for 12 years, and was the Elk Mound Township Chairman for 40 years. During his later years, spending time with his daughters and grandchildren brought him the greatest joy. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Allen and Robert (Bob); sister, Lorraine; daughters, Terri, Diane, and Joanne and his beloved dog Tilly. He is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years Ruth; his five daughters, Gail Hanson Brenner, Wendy, Debra Husby (Jeff), Jenny (Dave Wilson) and Jodi Hanson Rasmussen (Don); his four grandchildren, Noah, Justin, Sarah Brenner and Brooke Rasmussen; along with many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Barum Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Dr. Shuja, his Mayo Clinic Health System Palliative Care and Hospice team, and the other caregivers during his final weeks so he could be at home. Visitation will be from 4-7pm on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at the WEST CHAPEL - Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services, 1405 North Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Barum Lutheran Church, rural Elk Mound, with Pastor Hal Schroetter officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Barum Cemetery. Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services is serving his family. To express online condolences, please visit www.lenmarkfh.com