The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

December 13, 2008

Well-known Winthrop woman dies in fire

Husband hospitalized in serious condition

By Mark Fischenich

WINTHROP — A Winthrop woman died and her husband was in serious condition at a Minneapolis hospital Saturday night after a fire at their home late Friday.

Deb and Doug Hanson have been prominent members of the Winthrop and Lafayette communities for decades, operating newspapers in both towns, each serving as president of the Winthrop Area Chamber of Commerce and both being active members of their church.

Deb Hanson, who was also an English teacher at the high school in Winthrop, was in the couple’s West Sixth St. home when emergency crews arrived after the fire was reported at 11:28 p.m. Because she was unaccounted for, the Winthrop Fire Department made an unsuccessful attempt to gain entry and rescue her even though the house was fully engulfed in flames, according to the Sibley County Sheriff’s Office.

Doug Hanson, 60, was taken to the New Ulm Medical Center for burns and smoke inhalation and then airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was listed in serious condition.

The Hansons were described as deeply committed to family, community and journalism.

Doug Hanson is president of Winthrop Publishing, which owns and operates the Winthrop News and the Lafayette Ledger. Deb Hanson grew up in the business and continued to work at the Winthrop newspaper even after beginning her teaching career, said Mike Mattison, the editor of the Winthrop News.

“Her dad was in the newspaper business, so that was very close to her heart,” Mattison said.

When Mattison was hired 18 years ago, Deb Hanson was both the co-publisher and the editor.

“So we spent a lot of time together,” he said. “With both of them, it was always just a joy to come to work. It was always a fun atmosphere.”

Deb Hanson was less involved in the Lafayette paper in recent years but still wrote the “Memories of Years Ago” column for the Winthrop News. For many years, she also wrote a column she entitled “Out of My Mind.”

The parents of three adult children and two grandchildren, Deb and Doug Hanson celebrated their 40th anniversary last month. The children arranged a surprise party which was heavily attended by friends and family, said Ruth Klossner, managing editor of the Lafayette Ledger.

“Family members came from all over to that party, and I’m very glad that did happen,” Klossner said.

They’ve also been active members of Peace Lutheran Church, where Doug has served on the church board and Deb was a frequent reader.

An investigation into the cause of Friday’s fire is being conducted by the office of the State Fire Marshal.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News