Lowell Hanson (Missoula ’58)
Posted: September 28, 2026
Lowell Albert Hanson, 89, of Missoula, died September 22, 2026. He was born on June 4, 1937, in Mahnomen, MN, to Albert and Norma Hanson. Lowell graduated from high school at the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN, in 1955, where he enjoyed being on the wrestling and football teams. He then graduated from Concordia College with a Bachelor of Science Degree. During college, Lowell began working for the USFS during the summer, first as a firefighter and then as a smokejumper. He enlisted in the army in 1962, serving in special forces and as a medical specialist.
On July 22, 1964, he married Joan Langemo in Augsburg, Germany. Upon returning to the United States, the couple taught in Twin Valley, MN, until relocating to Missoula in 1968. Lowell then worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a smokejumper and supervisor until 1980. In 1980, he purchased Solmar Stylist Supply, which he expanded and sold in 1991.
Lowell was an active member of Sons of Norway and loved Lady Griz basketball games, reading, visiting the library, relaxing in front of Sunday afternoon football, treks in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Westerns, creating unique nicknames for everything under the sun, and telling a great story. Lowell jumped at Missoula 1958-61, 65-73, 76-89, and at Boise
1974-75. He was an NSA Life Member.
