submitted by rolfn@augsburg.edu
We write to share the sad news that Ione Evangeline Agrimson Hanson ’68 passed away on January 11, 2024, at the age of 77.
Ione was part of a family with strong commitments to Augsburg, including her grandfather, aunts and uncles as well as four of her children who are Augsburg graduates. While attending Augsburg, Ione also met Mark Hanson ’68. During their life together, she and Mark raised six children.
Ione completed her studies at Augsburg with a degree in social work. Later, she earned an MSW at Hunter College of Social Work. Her vocation as a social worker focused on children and their well-being including serving as Director of Social Work for Children’s Medical Center – Minneapolis and St. Paul. As a person of faith Ione was involved in the Lutheran Church in varied contexts. She embraced the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with people throughout the world while traveling with Mark when he served as ELCA Presiding Bishop and President of the Lutheran World Federation.
Diagnosed in 2010 with memory loss, Ione and her family did not let memory loss define Ione’s personhood or diminish her dignity.
A funeral service will take place on Saturday, February 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, with a visitation one hour before. Visit Central Lutheran’s website to watch online (*LINK*www.centralmpls.org).
Memorials suggested to Augsburg University, The Foundation at Children’s Minnesota, ELCA World Hunger or Redeemer Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN 55405.
A full obituary may be viewed *LINK*here.