William Hanser

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Sorry for your loss. Our prayers and condolences.

Bill played a big part in my life. My brother and I started picking rye for him when we were 11 and 12. Must have done well at 10 cents an hour because the "tip" was more than twice the wages. The next year he arranged things with my dad to teach me how to drive a tractor. I was ecstatic and the wages were WAY better. Spent several years working for Bill after that, lived with them during the summer time, learned how to work, how to be proud of what you have accomplished, learned how to work with other people. Even learned how to beat the Mosdal brothers at their own game of running tractors 24 hours a day....we beat them. Learned how to swear like a sailor when the bulls decided to rebel. Learned some facts of life pulling a calf....and how you need a shower afterwards. Those were great days for me. Made me a man. Bill used to say that he could always tell which kids would make it and which wouldn't. I payed attention to that and figured out which group I wanted to belong to. He told me not to worry about it...I was one who would make it. That confidence got me to the point where I spent 30 years as a school superintendent and Montana's Superintendent of the Year in 1999. To a large degree, it was the confidence in me that Bill and Ellen showed that got me there. I will be eternally grateful for the part they played in my life. I loved Bill dearly......but never told him that. My mistake. Craig Brewington

Thinking of you and your family during this great loss. -Jason Dembosky

My husband and I were welcomed by Bill Hanser and his faithful partner, Ellen's, great genrosity and kindness of spirit at the time of their son Bill and our daughter, Liz' marriage. From that time on we were made to feel part of their family and were benefactors of their enormous amounts of good will, good food and hilarious gatherings at their home. Bill has left a legasy and will be sorely missed by many. My condolences to the family. Anne