Ben Hanson, 81, passed away December 14, 2011, at Fountain Springs Health Care Facility, Rapid City, SD. A man of few words and much patience, Ben taught his family how to love completely, sincerely and quietly with no pretense. Although his memory was taken by Alzheimer's, the gentleness of his spirit remained intact to grace his family and those who helped care for him in his illness.

Benjamin was born at home to Dena Lucas Hanson and Richard Hanson on February 10, 1930 in Ardmore, SD, the youngest of 8 children. He attended school in Ardmore until 5th grade, when the family moved to Hot Springs, SD. Ben continued his education in Hot Springs until the age of 14 when he quit school to begin working as a heavy equipment operator with his brothers. He returned to high school three years later and graduated in 1951. During weekends and summers Ben continued his craft as a heavy equipment operator and following graduation, continued to work independently and for the County Soil Conservation District.


Ben married Calla Donegon on June 26, 1951, and together they had four children. Ben and Calla moved to Custer, SD, in 1953 when Ben began employment with the United States Forest Service. Throughout his 35 year career, he and his crew built or maintained most of the back roads and earthen dams in the Black Hills National Forest. When called upon he also fought many a forest fire atop a bulldozer, carving out fire-lines over the rugged terrain just ahead of the blaze. He retired in 1988 and in 1998 Ben and Calla returned to live in Hot Springs. Ben's passion for "playing in the dirt" never left him and he continued to work on many projects well into retirement.

The joy of Ben's life was his 5 grandchildren, Benjamin and Zachary Hanson, Kelsey and Kade Hanson, and Kacie Svoboda. One of his greatest pleasures was rocking grandbabies, swinging with them on the porch-swing and singing to them in his beautiful baritone voice.


Ben is survived by his wife of 60 years, Calla, son, Kim (Diane), Jamestown, ND, son, Kent (Kris), Verona WI, daughter, Kara (Rolland) Svoboda, Pocahontas, IA, and sister, Anne Stenger , Grand Junction, CO.


Preceding Ben in death were his mother and father, infant son, Kevin, 5 brothers, Melvin, Harm, George, Richard and William, and one sister, Dora Konrath.


Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 22, 2011, at the United Churches in Hot Springs with Pastor Dale Pracht officiating.

A memorial has been established in Ben's name to benefit the Alzheimer Association or the United Churches.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.