Theresa Marie Hanson

Theresa Marie Hanson, better known as Tess, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, at Benedictine Living Community in Owatonna, MN.

Born on March 28, 1928, she was the daughter of Daniel and Amelia (Moldenhauer) Weckwerth. She attended a country school and, at age 16, began working at the Hemp Plant in New Richland during World War II. She later earned her GED.

On October 22, 1947, she married Arnold Hanson at St. Peter Lutheran Church in New Richland. They continued to make their home in rural Freeborn County until 1971, when they moved to Albert Lea. Tess worked at a variety of places, including Allis-Chalmers in Hartland, Brown Printing in Waseca, Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea, and Wallace’s Department Store in Albert Lea. She also worked as a cook at her son’s bar and grill in Minnesota Lake; of all her roles, she took the greatest pride in the years she devoted to her home and family. Tess was a longtime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, and she and Arnold were also members of the Minnesota Young DFL organization.

Tess was a devoted family woman who loved her family deeply and especially cherished being a grandmother. Each summer for one week, she welcomed all six of her grandchildren to stay with her. She delighted in spoiling them as they spent their days swimming in the backyard, visiting Myre-Big Island State Park, and fishing on Fountain Lake. Her attention was devoted entirely to them, and the memories made are treasured by each grandchild, with stories still shared year after year. She enjoyed the arts, especially painting and sewing, and took great pleasure in teaching her right-handed daughters to sew—an extra challenge for a left-handed mother, but one her daughters treasure and continue to appreciate. Although baking may not have been her favorite, she was very good at it, creating many delicious treats. Her chocolate cake was always a favorite, and her sweet rolls; always on the Christmas morning table, are still made today, perfectly recreated from memory without a written recipe, keeping her tradition alive.

Tess will be remembered as a kind, pleasant, and sweet woman who never complained about life. She treasured her relationships with her three sisters and cousin, Eunie, enjoying their time together—whether it was a simple afternoon in the garage with a glass of wine or their annual girls’ weekend getaway. She also shared a special friendship with her dear friend Brenda, who came from England; Tess helped her become a U.S. citizen, and Brenda taught her the art of making tea. Tess’s warmth, generosity, and love for those around her will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Doreen (David) Kennedy, Dennis (Bonnie) Hanson, Deanna McCashin, and Dale Hanson; grandchildren, David, Daniel (Erica) and Dawn Kennedy, Sheila (Molly) Hanson, Brendan (Kelly) and Brian (Julie) McCashin; great grandchildren, Alyssa (Jeremiah) Cote, Courtney and Carter Kennedy, Madeleine, Clarke, and Henry Kennedy, and Jack and Grace Hanson; great-great grandchildren, Everett and Sawyer Cote; sister, Leone Svelmoe of Waseca; sister-in-law, Peggy Hanson, along with many extended family members, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Arnold on August 31, 2002; parents; sisters, Dorothy Hagen and Lois Miller; brother, Bernard Weckwerth; and son-in-law, Patrick McCashin.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St Peter Lutheran Church in New Richland, MN; Pastor Scott Williams will be officiating. Tess’ family will greet guests at a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at St Peter’s Cemetery in New Richland at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Peter Lutheran Church in New Richland, MN.