December
23, 1930
~ December 21, 2022

PRC Clifford Theodore “Ted” Hanson, US
Navy Retired, 91, died Wednesday, December 21, 2022,
at Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors.
Ted was born December 23, 1930, to Clifford and Ethel
(Johnson) Hanson at the family home in Larsmont, where
he grew up. He attended schools in Two Harbors, and
after high school, entered the U.S. Navy and served
his country from 1948 to 1968. In 1951, Ted married
Lela Kate “Lee” Harrell in Elizabeth City, N.C. While
aboard the USS Randolph CV-15, he was proud to be part
of the helicopter crew on astronaut rescue missions,
and later the Cuban crisis of 1962.
Returning to Two Harbors after leaving the Navy, he
managed the London House in Duluth and later the
American Legion in Two Harbors. With his wife, Ted
designed, built, and operated Penmarallter Campground
in Two Harbors until retiring in 1992. During this
time, he also operated a John Deere dealership for
several years.
After retiring, Ted and Lee enjoyed adventures and
making new friends in the Honey Bees motorhome club,
and visiting old military friends. He enjoyed many
hours snowmobiling, hunting, and the outdoors with his
shack partners, family and friends. He also enjoyed
rebuilding and showing his vintage cars.
Ted had many hobbies and was known in the family for
his carpentry skills, especially building curio
cabinets for his children, kitchen sets for his
granddaughters and kitchen squirrels.
Ted was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the
American Legion, and the Loyal Order of Moose where
after 50 years, recently was honored as life member.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents; his wife,
Lela Kate “Lee” in 2013; and sister, Rosalyne Mattson.
He is survived by his children, Pennie (Stan) Burton,
Clifford Allen Hanson, Marilyn (Chris) Deg, and Terry
Gilbertson; grandchildren, Shanna, Sherri, Curtis,
Heather, Stephanie, Jackie, Katie, James, and Laura
Kate; 14 great-grandchildren and another expected
soon; a brother, Adrian (Cheryl) Hanson; a special
cousin, Wayne (Carolyn) Johnson; and nieces and
nephews.
Services were held on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, followed by burial with
military honors in the Veteran's section of Lakeview
Cemetery. To share your memories or condolences online
please visit Cavallin Funeral Home in Two Harbors.