David Leroy "Digger" Hanson

David Leroy “Digger” Hanson passed away of natural causes on January 29th, 2025, at his home.  He was born April 2, 1947, to Henry and Lillian (Fortin) Hanson, the 9th of 12 children and attended Malta schools, graduating from Malta High School in 1965 and marrying Margaret Maxie in 1968.  He earned a degree in Industrial Arts from Northern Montana College and taught school in Malta and Roy MT for 2 years.  He went on to start the businesses of Hanson Construction and Hanson Lumber & Building Supply.  Digger proudly served for over 27 years in the Montana National Guard, where he retired as a First Sergeant.

He was an active member of St. Mary's church, and was well known for sharing the bounties of his garden.  He enjoyed fishing and sharing the day’s catch.  More than anything, he enjoyed visiting with friends and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife Margaret of 56 years and their children: DeeDee (Dale) Henderson; Nikki (Mitch) Nessan and children Sydney and Erica; Bill (Shanna) Hanson and his sons Kaleb and Dylan; Darin (Lynn) Hanson and daughter Delaney; and Kevin (Tereza) Hanson and daughters Therese, Winifred, and Ruby.  He is also survived by siblings Eugene (Linda) Hanson, Rosie Russell, and Greta (Norman) Barnard and numerous nieces and nephews that he enjoyed visiting.

Digger was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Lillian, his mother and father-in-law James and Cora Maxie, and siblings Betty Lou Hanson, Jerry (Alice) Hanson, Barb (Bob) Darrah, Joan (Jack) Jacobson, Phyllis (Larry) Simpson, Patsy (Leonard) Gilman, Connie (Tom) Hasler, and brother Bill Hanson.

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