In loving memory of

Susan Joyce Hansen
September 15, 1946 - May 7, 2022

Susan Joyce Hansen, daughter of Paul K. and H. Joyce (Griffith) Hansen was born on September 15th, 1946 in Harlan, Iowa. She grew up in Elk Horn. After high school, she received her BA from the University of New Mexico in 1972.

Susan had an adventurous, bold spirit. She traveled widely and lived much of her life in New Orleans. With a broad range of talent and a deep sense of curiosity, she worked as a union carpenter with a distinguished apprentice award in 1978, a factory worker, a state park ranger, a stable ranch hand, a painter, telephone solicitor, vacuum cleaner salesperson, and child care provider. She worked with persons with mental illnesses and the elderly. She has spent countless months volunteering at the Salvation Army, VISTA, and Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans. The arts were an essential part of Susan's life. A fan of Aretha Franklin and The Neville Brothers, she found her own voice through poetry.

She died on May 7, 2022 at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn. She was 75 years, 7 months and 22 days of age.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sister, Linda Ballantyne of Boone; Three brothers: Ben Hansen in Germany; Jung Hansen of Avoca; and Mark Hansen of Seattle, WA; other relatives and friends.

A CARPENTER'S PRAYER
By Susan Hansen:
Lord keep my saw's cut straight,
my vision clear,
my hammer ready, my back strong,
my drill steady, my will strong.
Bless my work, oh Lord.
Please give me strength for
I want to create.

Tributes

Joe Hansen wrote on May 16, 2022:

"Susan was a carpenter. She compiled a short book entitled "The Carpenter." It has the verses: "...Bless my work, oh Lord. Please give me strength for I want to create." Also: "In my labor my heart found joy." Susan was a poet. Another wonderfully written book short book "my name is susan" tells in touching verse her long struggle with illnesses. Now she joins in joy with the Carpenter of Nazareth. from Uncle Joe "