July 17, 1936 - October 2, 2023
Don LaVon Hansen was born on July 17, 1936 to Harvey and Betty (Mickelsen) Hansen. He passed away peacefully on October 2, 2023 in Omaha. Don was born on a farm, three miles east of Cadams in south-central Nebraska, on the hottest day on record, 117 degrees! Don was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ruskin. Don lived on the farm with his parents until 1946 when they moved into Ruskin so Harvey could work with his father, Jens Hansen, at the John Deere Implement dealership that Jens had started in 1924. Don went to Beach School in Nuckolls County in grade school, and attended Ruskin Junior High and High School. Don was active in sports, leading his six-man football team and basketball team to districts while in high school. Don started farming 20 acres of milo and wheat when he was only in 8th grade. By the time he was in 12th grade, he was farming 320 of his own acres.
Don graduated from Ruskin High School in 1954 and attended Dana College in Blair from 1954-1958. At Dana College, Don met Arnette Thim from Ruthven, Iowa. They were married on December 29, 1956. Don played on the college football team and graduated in 1958 with his BS in Education. After graduation, Don and Arnette moved to northern Iowa where he taught science and coached for 3 years. Their first child, Leisha, was born in 1959 while Don was teaching at Arnolds Park. The young family moved back to Nebraska, living in Lincoln from 1961-1971. In Lincoln, their second child, Todd, was born in 1962. Don taught school in Lincoln, was a real estate appraiser, and also was the rehab director at GoodwillI Industries. Don received his master’s from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Psychology in 1970. The family moved to Ralston in 1971, where Don worked with Omaha Public Schools for the next 26 years. He worked at many different schools, but spent quite a few years at Burke High School and the TAC Building, where he taught special education and volunteered with the Special Olympics.
Don and Arnette moved to Gretna in 1983, where they built a beautiful home together. They enjoyed golf, bridge and dinner clubs, Nebraska football games, and having people over to their home. They were very active in their church, Prince of Peace Lutheran, enjoyed traveling and being together with their large circle of friends and family. When Arnette was diagnosed with leukemia, Don devoted his days to her care until she passed in 1990.
Don married Grace Williamson from Burns, Oregon, on June 8, 1991, and they were married until his death. Don spent his retired years farming, collecting coins and antiques, and writing historical pieces. They were greatly involved in their church and enjoyed being with their family. Don and Grace loved going to all their grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s events. The seven great-grandchildren were a special joy to Don and they enjoyed a close relationship with him.
Don was dearly loved and adored by those who knew him. He had a joy-filled heart with the most cheerful, fun and uplifting personality. He brought laughter and smiles to everyone he met. Don was quick-witted, kind, caring, faithful, positive and always willing to lend a helping hand. He always had funny stories to share, and would keep even the most serious times light with laughter. Don loved to be outdoors, farming, hunting for deer and pheasants, attending Husker football games, and taking care of the many flocks of birds and squirrels who congregated on his back deck. He enjoyed a rousing card game with a Pepsi in hand, and was always a willing participant in a round of pool.
Don was the chief combine driver for his son-in-law, Larry, for many years after he retired from teaching. Don enjoyed prospecting with his metal detector, and loved to study Nebraska history, antiques and coins. He wrote a book on the tokens of Ruskin, Ruskin, Nebraska - its Merchants and their “Goodfors.” He especially loved his hometown of Ruskin, and could always be found telling stories of the good ol’ days there. Don remembered dates, events and people with sure accuracy and was the family legacy keeper. Most importantly, Don loved Jesus and pointed to Him in everything he did. He was filled with joy even in the end, knowing his salvation was secure. Don will be missed greatly.
Don is survived by his wife Grace, his daughter and son-in-law Leisha and Larry Timm of Springfield, and his son and daughter-in-law Todd and Robyn Hansen of Elkhorn. Nine grandchildren Jamie (Clint) Veren, Jennifer (Brent) Jackson, Julie Timm, Taylor (Nathan) Quismondo, Scott Hansen, Trevor Hansen, Kourtney Hansen, Kyle Hansen, and Ray Koch. Seven great grandchildren Barrett, Brogan, Janea and Jaida Jackson, and Caden, Judsen and Jorgen Veren. Brother-in-law and sister-in-law Rodney and Susan Thim of Ruthven, Iowa, niece Michelle (Daniel) Jackson and nephew Ryan (Becca) Thim. Brother-in-law Mike (Jan) Williamson, and sister-in-law Nikki Ryan. Aunt Donna Mickelsen of Superior and numerous cousins.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and wife Arnette.
Visitation will be on Friday, October 6 at Braman Mortuary in Millard from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be on Saturday, October 7 at Journey Church in Gretna at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Voss-Mohr Cemetery in Millard. Memorials should be designated to Step Up to Life and Harvest Church.
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