Janell Katherine Hanson was born February 21, 1926 to C. Alvin and Anna (Knutson) Peterson in rural Centerville, SD. She grew up and attended school there graduating from Centerville High School in 1943. She worked briefly in Sioux Falls and married Lester Hanson on December 15, 1946. They made their home and raised their children in Sioux Falls. Janell was an active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, where she dearly loved working in her circle and participating in Bible studies. She worked for several years in food service at the Sioux Falls schools and enjoyed volunteering at Sioux Valley Hospital for many years. Janell loved people and was passionate about helping and serving others in many and varied capacities. Her happiest moments were spent with her family, especially in her later years with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Janell is lovingly remembered by her sons, Rollie (Lorraine) Hanson of Centerville and Greg (Zoila) Hanson of Sioux Falls; sister, Eunice Axtell of Centerville; 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and her special caregiver, Amber York. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester, son, Richard and her parents. Funeral services will be 10AM Saturday June 9, 2012 at Scandia Lutheran Church in Centerville. Visitation will be Friday from 2-8PM at Wass Funeral Home in Centerville with the family present from 5-7PM including a time of sharing memories at 6:30PM. The family would like to acknowledge with appreciation the exceptional care Janell received during the 3 ½ years she resided at the Centerville Good Samaritan Center.