Gayle Hanson

Gayle Hanson, age 77, of Crooks, SD, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Ava’s Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

A celebration of life is planned for Friday, August 30, 2024, from 1 to 4 PM at the Westside Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

The address is, 3901 N Oklahoma Ave Sioux Falls SD 57107

Gayle Hanson was born August 30, 1946, in Watertown, SD to Myron and Darlene (Willers) Schliem. She was the third of four siblings. Gayle grew up in the Crooks area and graduated from Lyons High School in 1964. She went on to college in Omaha focusing on accounting. After college, she worked for Western Electric and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Omaha before returning to South Dakota.

On June 5, 1976, Gayle married her true love, Ned Hanson. They shared 48 years together. After five years of living in town, Gayle and Ned moved to an acreage outside of Crooks. Gayle worked many years as an accountant and in 2001, she and Ned founded and co-owned Dakota Grain Dryers LLC. Gayle managed the accounting aspects and helped develop the company into a thriving business until her and Ned’s retirement in 2016.

Gayle enjoyed traveling with Ned and working with their team of horses providing wagon rides and participating in area parades. She was a member of the South Dakota Draft Horse and Mule Breeders Association. She enjoyed quilting and spending time outdoors. She could often be found caring for her horses, cats, and dogs. Gayle had a special place in her heart for special friends Payton, Lawson, and Will and her nieces and nephews.

Gayle is survived by her husband of 48 years, Ned Hanson; sisters, Vicki (Bernie) Scheppers of Papillion, NE, Rita (Arnie) Topf of Harrisburg, SD; brother, Carlyle (Gloria Bellonger) Schliem of Sioux Falls, SD; special friends, Tammy (Ryan) Winter and their children, Payton, Lawson and Willliam; nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Myron and Darlene Schliem.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Westside Church, The Humane Society, or any charity of choice.