Keith E. Hanson

Keith Elliot Hanson, born 1/26/1944 passed away at his home in Shoreview, Minnesota on July 5th, 2025. He was 81. Keith had been living with deteriorating health for some time.

He was preceded in death by his partner, Richard Borland; parents, Lyle and Merlyn; sister, Mary; and brother, David. He is survived by his brother, Wayne (Myra); sister- in-law, Mariette; nephews, Eric (Pat), Mark (Laura) and Ian (Sarah); nieces, Leah (Sanjay) and Carlie (Nico) and their families.

After graduating from Alexander Ramsey High School in Roseville, MN in 1962, Keith attended the U of M graduating in 1966 with a BA majoring in French and Spanish. As a graduate he joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in Thailand teaching English, followed by a year teaching high school English in Western MN. He was drafted that same year into the army and served in Vietnam till 12/1970 when he was relieved from active duty. Once again enrolled at the U of M Keith earned an MA in linguistics in 1973. From '73-'74, before the downfall of the Shah, he taught English to the military in Iran.

Back Stateside from the Middle East, he made his home in Chicago, staying for over 4 decades working initially for the company that had sent him to Iran.

Chicago suited Keith who was a "foodie", not only loving the city's cosmopolitan cuisine offerings but also becoming an accomplished home cook. His interests were drawn as heavily to Chicago's theater and music scene including opera.

Left behind by Keith is a mammoth home collection of CDs; eclectic, but mostly classical.

One of his passions was for 4-footed friends. Even after his last pet died he made sure that the alleycats behind his Chicago home were fed. His favorite charity was the ASPCA.

Keith loved Christmas spending many of them in MN with family and friends. It allowed him to indulge in his wicked sense of humor in the form of unique gifts, most of them red which was his favorite color by far.

Although living apart from them for so long Keith very much felt a part of his extended family, often asking about them and attending family functions whenever he could. After his long-time partner passed away, Keith moved to Minnesota to be closer to family. Friends and the family that loved him will miss Keith's sharp wit and engaging personality.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 7 at a venue yet to be determined.