Gayle Marie Hanson, 89, of Veblen, SD, passed away on April 21, 2021 under hospice care at Sandstone Senior Living in Spearfish.

Gayle was born July 18, 1931, to Simeon and Alma (Klefstad) Shulson in Hillhead, SD. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Hillhead. After graduating from Veblen High School, she continued her education at Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen while teaching country school for several years.

She married Kermit Hanson and from this union three children were born, Kay, Greg, and Jan. Their almost 30 years together were spent farming northwest of Veblen. After Kermit's death, Gayle completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1984 at Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD. The next decade found her managing a group home in Wahpeton, ND, where her residents became like family. Her retirement years drew her back to Veblen, where she was active in the community. She kept herself busy gardening, playing cards, and creating needlework. Her suitcase was always packed, ready for a new adventure. She especially treasured her road trips with Sanford and Mae and bus tours around the US and Canada. She traveled throughout 48 states, but there was just not enough time to visit Oregon and Hawaii. Gayle's final winter was spent in the Black Hills with family.

Survivors include her brother, Sanford (Mae) Shulson of St. Thomas, ND; daughters, Kay Rear of Lead, SD, and Janet (Terry) Just of Spearfish, SD; grandchildren, Krista Rear, Jeremy (Laura) Rear, and Gabrielle (Jake) Williams; step-grandchildren, TJ Just and Chantil (Jaime) Delgado; great-grandchildren, Jadynn and Isaiah; and step-great-grandchildren, Samantha, Antonio, and Jordan.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Simeon and Alma Shulson; husband, Kermit Hanson; son, Greg Hanson; and son-in-law, Darcy Rear.

Funeral services will be held at Palestine Lutheran Church in rural Veblen at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, 2021 with Vicar Karie Geyer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Zion Cemetery Fund or to the Palestine Cemetery Fund.

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