Former Cook County Commissioner and long-time Cook County News-Herald
columnist Frank Hansen, 89, died at the Cook County North Shore Hospital on Tuesday, August 3 after a brief illness— and a long life of service and friendship.
The community was saddened in mid-July when it was discovered that Frank had leukemia. It was hoped that the friendships that began in 1951 when Frank first visited Cook County’s West End would continue much longer. That was not to be, but as a family spokesperson wrote on the CaringBridge website, “His final couple of days were
peaceful. He died the same way he lived—
with grace and dignity.”
Frank’s life on the North Shore began when he was invited to talk at the old Tofte School shortly after joining the psychology faculty at UMD. From that first visit, Frank and his family were drawn to the North Shore—and to Tofte in particular.
In 1957, Frank and his beloved wife, Mary Alice, established the Sawbill Canoe Outfitters. They both were deeply involved in the area. At a talk at the Schroeder Area Historical Center in 2004, Frank listed a few of the boards and commissioners he had served on through the years. Humbly, and with his characteristic chuckle, he professed to “indulge in other questionable activities too numerous to mention.”
Hansen served as county commissioner for two terms, from 1979 to 1986, representing the West End. Chet Lindskog, who served on the county board with Frank, said, “We had a really good board; we got things done. We worked hard to get Frank appointed to the Association of Minnesota Counties. He served as president of AMC.
“We didn’t agree on everything, but when the vote was over, we moved on to other issues. We respected one another. Even though we disagreed, I knew Frank had Cook County in his heart,” recalled Lindskog.
Frank’s son Bill Hansen said, “Frank always told us—it’s about people, not issues.”
Frank wrote the newsy West End News
column for the News-
Herald
in the early 1970s, took a decade off and then picked up where he left off in the 1980s. Former News-Herald
editor Brian Larsen said Frank was a pleasure to work with, as a columnist and as county commissioner. “Frank was a thoughtful commissioner and he was very kind. He’d answer all of your questions—even the really tough ones,” said Larsen.
Of all his accomplishments, according to son Bill, Frank was most proud of his work on the Sawtooth Clinic Board for 20 years, serving as president of the board at least half that time. Clinic Director Rita Plourde said, “I don’t know how to say this in just a few sentences. As a human being, Frank was a phenomenon. He was ever-present for the people of Cook County, willing to fight the battle to bring health care to Cook County. He will be so missed.”
Frank wrote his last West End News
column for the News-Herald
in November 2008, as usual with graciousness. He picked up where he left off, joining the weekly essayists at WTIP Community Radio. For the News-Herald,
he wrote:
This is the end of the line. This is the last West End News, at least the last one
written by me. The new owners of the paper have been very clear that they would
like me to continue writing the column; but this is a good time for me to bow out.
I have no idea how long I have been writing the column; but many blood drives,
lutefisk dinners, fundraisers, Fourth of July celebrations have been written into the
many columns. I have especially enjoyed poking gentle fun at the special atmosphere
of the West End. We are a critical bunch, of almost everything, from road construction
plans to almost any decision made by any level of government, or any government
agency. We are a community and in times of need our community comes
together. I have enjoyed reporting about the personal side of the West End, which is
important to all of us.
My column writing has been helped by the community members who faithfully
furnish items for the column. Thank you to all who have helped in that way.
The entire community—not just the West End—returns the thanks. Frank will be missed.
Plans are underway for a memorial service on Saturday, Agust 14 at First Congregational Church in Grand Marais.
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