Dr. Charles Alvin Hanson

Dr. Charles “Charlie” Hanson, age 85, devoted Pueblo orthopedic surgeon of 52 years, passed away on April 25, 2024, following a stroke at his home in Beulah, Colorado. He took tremendous pride in offering “orthopedic care now” through his full-time surgical and clinical practice right up until his passing. Charlie was born to Alvin and Elizabeth Hanson on July 16, 1938, growing up with his two sisters on a dairy farm in Belle Center, Ohio. His rural upbringing influenced his future dreams, and his parents instilled in him the importance of education. As a youth, he participated in basketball and baseball, inspiring a lifelong love of sports. While attending Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois, Charlie met his wife, Diane Hoof. They married shortly after graduation in 1960 in Park Ridge, Illinois. Charlie dedicated himself to pursuing his medical degree at Ohio State University. He graduated in 1964 with surgical honors. At the same time, he and Diane started their family—children Holly, Greta, and Eric. Charlie served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, New Hampshire from 1965-1967. He then completed his medical and orthopedic residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan, becoming a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in 1972. Drawn to Pueblo, Colorado by an ad appealing for physicians to open a practice in the area, Dr. Hanson and his family moved to Owl Canyon Ranch in nearby Beulah in 1972. He then started his orthopedic practice, bringing his vision of world-class medicine to southern Colorado. He was a co-founder of Southern Colorado Clinic, Southern Colorado Clinic Urgent Care Centers, Southern Colorado Health Plan, and founder/owner of Hanson Clinic. Recognizing the critical importance of timely medical care, Dr. Hanson was instrumental in establishing the first ambulance service in Beulah. He was also involved with the initial training of Beulah’s EMTs. Ranch life in Beulah allowed him to pursue his agriculture and animal husbandry interests. He was instrumental in guiding the family’s care and management of sheep, hogs, beef and took a particular interest in dairy cattle. Focused on genetics, he developed and owned a purebred herd of Ayrshire dairy cattle, which the family showed across the country. He also brought the popular “Bessie Milk-A-Cow Exhibit” to life at the Colorado State Fair. After Diane’s passing, he married Marsha Flowers and welcomed her children Brandice, Colin, Derek, and Brock to the family. Marsha lovingly cared for Charlie and their extended families, and together they nurtured Owl Canyon Ranch. Marsha also managed his medical practice for 33 years. Dr. Hanson reveled in caring for generations of families, from newborns to the elderly, always taking time to listen to their stories. He demanded the best from his dedicated teams, both at the clinic and hospitals, keeping patients' interests at the forefront. Dr. Hanson was a lifelong student, driven to teach and encourage those around him. He delighted in connecting with his 14 grandchildren, staying on top of current events, technology, reading, family poker games, ball games, and spending time on the ranch. He had a good sense of humor and never shied away from offering sage advice. He will be missed beyond measure. He is survived by his wife, Marsha Flowers; his children, Holly Hanson (Doug Proal) and Greta Hanson (Steve) Maurer, his bonus children Brandice (Ryan) Eslinger, Colin (Ashley) Flowers, Brock (Jessica) Flowers, and Derek (Brittney) Flowers; grandchildren Meghann, Hannah, Diane, Daniel, Jace, Javin, Ajay, William, Dylan, Jett, Carter, Chloe, Myla, and Maxton; sisters Dorothy McKenzie and Margaret Koop. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Elizabeth Hanson; his first wife, Diane Hanson; and his son, Eric Hanson. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District, P.O. Box 826, Beulah, CO 81023. Online condolences at www.roselawnpueblo.org. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Creative Arts Building on the Colorado State Fairgrounds.

Dr. Charles Alvin Hanson

July 16, 1938 - April 25, 2024