Aaron Michael Hanson, 37, of West Fargo, N.D., passed away on Feb. 19, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center Fargo, following a brief illness due to complications from chronic liver disease.
Aaron was born on Feb. 10, 1989, to Russell and Merleen (Ballantyne) Hanson in Las Vegas, Nev. Aaron was born into a military family. His early years were spent at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Hill AFB in Ogden, Utah, Robins AFB in Warner Robins, Ga., and Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas.
Aaron enjoyed playing soccer as a child. He loved horseback riding, horse camping, playing cards, video games, cooking, writing in calligraphy and spending time with family and friends. His rescue dog, Finley, brought him immeasurable love and companionship his last eight years.
Aaron graduated from Vermillion High School in 2007. He enjoyed singing in the high school choir and had a beautiful voice. Aaron held a variety of jobs including cook and bartender at Bunyan’s, manager at Pizza Hut, clerk at Pump and Pak gas station, and front desk clerk and bookkeeper at Thumper Pond Resort.
Aaron was diagnosed with liver disease around 2018, and the next several years would prove to be a testament to his strength and determination to live. He endured many painful procedures over the years as he battled this disease, but he never complained about his condition or his frequent hospital stays. Aaron was the sweetest, most caring, appreciative and generous person you could ever have had the pleasure of meeting. He truly cared about others and wanted to make a difference so he became an organ donor. In his final act of kindness, he donated his organs to those in need as well as to medical research. Aaron’s healthy heart now beats in the chest of a 51-year-old man.
Aaron was a cherished son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, godson and friend. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his brother, Tony Hanson of Fargo, his dog Finley, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Aaron was preceded in death by his parents, Russell (2000) and Merleen (2022) Hanson; his paternal grandparents, John (2003) and Susan (2024) Hanson of Cherokee; and his maternal grandparents, Merlin (2014) and Ruth (2009) Ballantyne also of Cherokee.
Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo assisted with cremation services. A Celebration of Life will be planned by Tony Hanson at a later time.
