Donald & Harriet Hansen

To meet them, was to be welcomed by them. To know them, was to be loved by them. Don and Hattie Hansen, long-time residents of South Bend, are waving to us from the shores of heaven. 

Only good things were ever spoken of either of these humble, generous, loving souls. Donald Hansen (March 3, 1931) and Harriet (Jan 20, 1934) were married for 73 years. Not willing to be parted, these love-birds graduated to eternal life within weeks of one another. They died peacefully surrounded by family, in their home filled with a lifetime of memories, years of hard-work, great friends, great-grand babies, holiday traditions, coffee at the kitchen table, and laughter whenever possible. 

They always worked overtime at anything they did, silently helping others along the way. While they had many occupations through their lives, one of the most long-standing and well-known was their company that they owned and operated, Hansen’s Evergreens, which employed many families in the area. The pangs of retirement were overshadowed by the joy of great-grandchildren, and their home continued to be the center of the family. 

At last, they are reunited with the countless friends and family that nine decades of life can hold, most precious to them being their daughter Joan (Zelinsky). They are survived by their loving daughter Debi Hansen, five grandchildren who owe their sweetest childhood memories to their grandparents’ works, an angel of a granddaughter-in-law, and ten great-grandchildren who were adored by them and to them. The legacy that they leave us is more precious than any earthly treasure. This legacy lives on in all of us who were blessed enough to witness their lives, the deep love and devotion that they had to one another, kindness to others, care for their family, and faith in the Lord through it all. 

If only everyone were so blessed to have a Don and Hattie in their lives. 

Until we meet again, they are remembered, honored, and deeply missed. 

The celebration of life service will be at Cross Roads Church on Saturday April 29th, at 11:00 AM.