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Laird Ralph Hansen, 93, of Cromwell passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at his home. He was born on June 18, 1929, in Cloquet to Hans Peter and Ruth Hansen. He was raised in Cromwell and graduated from Cromwell High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army from October 1952 through September 1954. He was honorably discharged as a corporal. Laird married Julie Ann Ossell on April 18, 1964.

Laird worked at the Cromwell Creamery, Wood Conversion and the Peavey Elevator. He then worked for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as a grain sampler until retiring in 1994.

He was on the Cromwell Creamery board and a member of Bethany Lutheran Church. He was in the Monday pool league at Kalli's Place. He farmed most of his life.

Laird was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lincoln; sister-in-law, Jeanne; and nephew, Stuart.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Julie, of Cromwell; children, Steve (Joan) Johnson of Cromwell, Melanie (Brent) Amundson of McGregor and Eric (Diane) Hansen of Cromwell; grandchildren, Mike, Craig, Jesse, Samantha, Elizabeth and Benjamin; great-grandchildren, Brody, Zack, Lucas, Jase, and two more on the way; one niece, Karee; and one nephew, Reece.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cromwell. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Cromwell in the spring. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St., Cloquet. To sign the guestbook and leave an online tribute, see http://www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.