Curtis John Hanson (Corky), a son of Marvin and Irma (Biberdorf) Hanson, was born November 23, 1959. He was raised on a farm near Willow City and graduated from Willow City High School in 1978. Corky was on the WCHS Redwings basketball team and participated in several other school activities. He was also involved in horse shows, riding his horse Comanche. During the summers he helped on the farm and painted with a friend.

Corky was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Willow City, where he was baptized, confirmed, and married.

Following his high school graduation, he completed the Lineworker (Electrical) Program at Bismarck State College.

In 1980 he married Deborah Arneson, and they had a son, Shawn. This marriage later ended.

Corky worked as a lineman in Montana and North Dakota before moving to Anchorage, Alaska, to work in the power field. For a time, he commuted to work in Alaska, while also owning the Waterhole Bar in Willow City. He later became a permanent resident of Alaska. His son Shawn moved to Alaska as well. Corky retired from his job with the state of Alaska in the summer of 2020.

An avid fisherman, Corky took advantage of the excellent fishing opportunities in Alaska. Over the years Corky and Shawn went on many road trips and vacations. Corky hosted numerous friends and family who visited him in Alaska.

Corky, age 62, passed away peacefully at his home in Anchorage, Alaska, on Wednesday, June 8 ^th .

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 16 ^th , at 10:00 a.m., at First Lutheran Church in Willow City. Pastor Linda Wimmer will officiate. Urn Bearers will be Mitchell Cote, Paul Rettinger, Darren Hanson and Ryan Pollman. Burial will follow the service at the Willow City Memorial Cemetery. After the service and burial please join the family for lunch and remembrances at the Willow City Community Hall.

Curtis is survived by his son Shawn and Shawn's friend, Cerena Westphal and her two children, brother and sister-in-law David and Debbie Hanson of Willow City, sisters Kathryn Rettinger of Columbia, TN, Diane Cote of Willow City, and Janeen Pollman of Bottineau. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.