"My sympathy Nick and Doreen. May he rest in peace. "
In loving memory of
Paul A. Hansen
July 26, 1939 - February 23, 2023
Paul Adolph, the son of Fritz Theo "Fred" and Clara Theresa Emilie (Meyer) Hansen, was born July 26, 1939, in Battle Creek. He passed away Thursday, February 23, 2023, at his home at Premier Estates Assisted Living in Onawa.
Paul was baptized on August 27, 1939, and confirmed on May 24, 1953, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Battle Creek.
He attended country schools before graduating from Battle Creek High School with the Class of 1957. After graduation, Paul purchased a gravel truck and hauled gravel for three years before returning to farm both his parents' home place near Battle Creek and the Meyer Family Farm in Soldier Township, near Ricketts. Along with row crops, he enjoyed raising cows, pigs, sheep, horses, chickens, ducks and geese over the years.
On April 10, 1970, Paul was married to LaDonna (Jepsen) at the St. Paul Lutheran Church (Midway), rural Battle Creek. They spent their entire married life on the Meyer Family Farm, which was named an Iowa Century Farm in 2013. Paul remained there after LaDonna's death on June 30, 2015, until September 2017, when he experienced some health challenges and moved to Onawa, where he resided at Premier Estates Assisted Living.
While Paul and LaDonna had no children of their own, they adopted one son, Nicholas Paul, in 1972, and welcomed 14 foster children into their home over the years.
Paul was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church Soldier Township where he served as an usher and enjoyed helping by filling communion cups, folding bulletins and being the greeter and taking money at the door at the church's annual fall soup supper.
Paul loved farming and continued to do so until the 80's farm crisis brought its challenges. He started working at Farmland in Denison in September 1984 and retired from there after over 20 years, in February 2005.
Family gatherings were always enjoyed, with lots of delicious food. Fun times were also spent with friends at home card parties and in the Ricketts Bowling League. Visiting the casino, especially to play blackjack, was a highlight of Paul's days, as was attending euchre parties in area towns.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, LaDonna; his in-laws, Julius and Doris Jepsen; and brothers-in-law Julius Jepsen Jr. and Gary Jepsen.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his son and daughter-in-law, Nicholas and Doreen Hansen of Westside, and his grandpuppies, Kona and Kalea, who absolutely adored their GrandPAW Hansen; a brother, Fred Hansen of Omaha; sister-in-law Donna Leese of Omaha; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sharon and Eldon Albers of Battle Creek; sister-in-law Lorraine Jepsen of Correctionville; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family, and friends.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Soldier Township, Charter Oak. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Soldier Township, Charter Oak. Interment will follow in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Soldier Township, Charter Oak. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Tributes
"We met Paul and LaDonna in 1978 while I was working on writing "The Meyer Family History." Our kids (four & ten) were thrilled that they brought out some horses for them to pet and sit on. His grandfather, Adolph Meyer, and my grandfather August Meyer were brothers. My sympathies to Nick and other family members. Butch and Renee (Meyer) Miller Denison"
"I would just like to say that Paul will be missed at premier estates. I enjoyed his company and encouraging words. He and I watched Tucker every night and had good talks. He loves his family very much and talked about being foster parents. Some of his kids came to see him. He appreciated his son and wife and all they did for him. Much love was given even the puppies shared in the joy. I?m so thankful that God blessed me by allowing us to be friends and his wonderful family. Much thanks Susan Belflower "
"I was blessed to license Paul and LaDonna as foster parents. I turned to them many times to give a safe home to children in crisis! They were always welcoming and full of love! We all need to be like that!"
"was a great man Lynn"