Don "Say" Hansen

Memorial services for Donald Hansen will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cyrus, MN, with Reverend Chris Richards officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cyrus and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Burial will be held at a later date.

As Don “Say” Hansen age 90, wandered into the Pearly Gates, he met Roger Pieske and his Army Buddies and said “Say, do I have a deal for you….”

He passed away peacefully on February 22, 2024, with his wife Thelma, daughter Barb and son Daryl by his side.  He grew up in in Gutches Grove near Long Prairie MN on a dairy farm with his Father (Rudy), Mother (Lydia), and two younger brothers, Kenny & Dennis. While growing up, he helped with farming and pulling pranks around the countryside. He attended country school and Long Prairie School District (and there also pulled pranks). After graduating high school, he attended the School of Agriculture @ the St Paul Campus for 2 years (more pranks). In the fall of 1954, he received a letter from Uncle Sam saying, “I want you.” He answered the call and was in the 547^th Trans. Co Vehicle Mechanic Division. He left for basic training to Fort Leonard Wood, MO, then later shipped out to Germany to serve his country.  While in the Army Don received the National Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal – Germany. He served from 1954 to 1956, while the love of his life waited for him to come home.

After serving his country, Don and Thelma tied the knot on August 18^th 1956, where they settled in Morris and had four wonderful children. His salesman career started with Swenson Implement in Morris, Modern Tractor in Hancock and West Central Implement in Morris MN. In 1965 they moved to Cyrus. He served the Cyrus Community as a volunteer fireman, fire chief and he was a member of the town council for several years.  He enjoyed camping and snowmobiling with his family, which created a bond for future generations – and yes there were a few trips with “the guys” snowmobiling out west. Later in life he got roped into a few fishing trips with family and friends, even though he hated the water. Not to mention the daily gossip with the Breakfast Club.

 He is survived by his wife, Thelma Hansen of Cyrus; children: Barb (Benj) Hill of Jamestown, ND, Bev (Jon) Larson of Herman, Daryl Hansen of Cyrus, and Charlene (Steve) Larson of Rockford; seven grandchildren: Jason (Rebecca) Hill of Cody, WY, Angie (Brent) Reinarts of West Fargo, Kaylene (Drew) Larson of Clarksville TN, Hannah Larson of Fargo, Samantha (Blane) Plecity of West Fargo, Tim (Michelle) Larson of Buffalo, and Toni (Brad) Koenen of Loretto; 13 great grandchildren: Kahlea Hill, Owen Reinarts, Averie Wendorff, Norah Reinarts, Quinn Reinarts, Sugar Magnolia Hill, Everly Dawn Larson, Wren Plecity, Cameron Koenen, Sawyer Larson, Courtney Koenen, Crosby Larson, and Calvin Koenen; two brothers: Kenny Hansen of Bloomington, and Dennis (Jan) Hansen of Plymouth. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Lydia Hansen; uncle: Harold Schroeder; and aunt: Lillian Hansen.

Pedersen Funeral Home is in care of arrangements for Don.