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BISMARCK – Former North Dakota treasurer and tax commissioner Robert E. Hanson was remembered Friday as a dedicated public servant and strong advocate for military veterans.
Hanson, of Bismarck, died Wednesday at Essentia Health in Fargo from complications from service-related diabetes resulting from exposure to Agent Orange, according to his obituary. He was 67.
The Jamestown native and North Dakota State University graduate served as state treasurer from 1979-80 and from 1985-92, and as state tax commissioner from 1993-96. He also served as the state’s commissioner of veterans affairs for three years.
North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party Chairman Bob Valeu said he got to know Hanson after Hanson returned home from serving in the Vietnam War. Throughout his life, Hanson was proud of his military service and career serving the state, Valeu said in a statement.
“Bob was a selfless, dedicated public servant. We are grateful for his distinguished service,” he said.
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U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., who preceded Hanson as tax commissioner, said he excelled in that post and was a “staunch advocate” for veterans, serving them through his role as veterans affairs commissioner and his service with veterans organizations.
“North Dakota was blessed to have him as a public servant,” she said in a statement.
Gov. Jack Dalrymple also issued a statement saying Hanson “made important contributions on behalf of our people, especially our veterans.”
“We are grateful for his many years of service to our state,” he said.
Funeral services for Hanson are set for 10:30 a.m. Monday at Church of Corpus Christi in Bismarck. Burial is set for 1 p.m. at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Eastgate Funeral Service in Bismarck and will continue Monday one hour prior to the service at the church.
