Donald H. Hansen

Donald H. Hansen, 82, longtime resident of Danbury, Wis., who recently moved to Hinckley, Minn., died Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011 at Essentia SMDC Duluth after a fall at home.

Donald H. Hansen was born Jan. 29, 1929, in Luck, Wis. to Holger and Marie (Paulsen) Hansen. After graduating from Milltown High School in 1947, he entered the U.S. Army. He was a file clerk in General Douglas MacArthur’s Headquarters in Japan. He received an honorable discharge in 1949. Following discharge he was very fortunate to meet and wed Lucy M. Thomas. Donald and Lucy were married on Aug. 26, 1952. They had five children. He worked for the Soo Line Railroad Company for 39 years. He began as a carpenter’s helper and retired as the bridge and builder supervisor in 1989. After retirement Don and Lucy built their retirement home in Danbury, Wis. It was built with wood that was cut, milled and planed from trees on their property.

Donald enjoyed hunting, fishing and he was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers. He also enjoyed woodworking, winning at the casino and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Garry J. Hansen, and sisters Ingrid and Edith.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lucy M. Hansen (Thomas), daughters Gayle M. Bender (Warren), Theresa J. Schaaf (Glen) and Loretta L. Hansen, son Bruce D. Hansen, his grandchildren Danesa Bender, Donovan Bender, Becky Schaaf, Chris Schaaf, Tracy Gaspar, Jason Hansen, Amy Hansen, Emily Hansen, Alex Graham, Robyn Graham, Anthony Graham, Andre Graham, Adam Graham, Adrian Graham; and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his pet dog Louie.

Pallbearers are Robert Petersen, Ed Phelps, Jason Hansen, Kyle Hansen, Chris Schaaf and Donovan Bender.

Family members Warren Bender will officiate and Danesa Bender will sing.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8 at Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, Wis., and 2 until the 3 p.m. funeral service Friday, Sept. 9 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Swiss Cemetery in Danbury. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, Wisconsin. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.

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