Russell Dean Hansen
December 28, 1958 — September 18, 2024
Russell Dean Hansen, 65, of Avoca, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and hard work. Born on December 28, 1958 in Harlan, Iowa to Bernard and Elizabeth (Allerton) Hansen. Dean grew up on a farm near Tennant, Iowa, where he spent his childhood raising hogs and cattle alongside his father. This upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lori Turner, and to this union 3 children were born: Michael, Joel and Rachell.
A talented athlete, Dean excelled in sports during his school years, showcasing his skills on the baseball diamond and the football field. He played for the Persia Hoppers for many years, a testament to his passion for the game. His love for sports continued throughout his life as he enjoyed following the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Dallas Cowboys, as well as indulging in car racing, both at local dirt tracks and in the NASCAR series.
Dean was known for his great sense of humor and his ability to light up any room. He cherished his relationships with friends and family. As a detail-oriented perfectionist, he approached life with dedication, whether in farming, sports, or his professional career.
In his career, Dean was committed to his work and genuinely cared for his employees and subcontractors, fostering friendships that lasted a lifetime. He took pride in seeing his two sons working alongside each other this summer, a moment that filled his heart with joy.
Dean's greatest pride and joy came later in life with the addition of daughters-in-law, Holly and Chelsie, and the grandchildren who brought him immense happiness. He adored spending time with them, sharing stories, laughter, and love.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Elizabeth. He is survived by his loving wife Lori Hansen of Avoca, Iowa; children Michael and wife Holly Hansen of Shelby, Iowa; Joel Hansen of Avoca, Iowa; Rachell and wife Chelsie Hansen of Gretna, Nebraska; 5 grandchildren: Kendra and Taylen Hansen of Shelby, Iowa; Turner and Owen Hansen of Gretna, Nebraska; Emma Norgaard of Shelby, Iowa; siblings Susan (Andrew) Austin, Sharon (Kalvin) Petersen, David (Annette) Hansen, and Sandra (Mike) Davis; other family and many, many friends.
A talented athlete, Dean excelled in sports during his school years, showcasing his skills on the baseball diamond and the football field. He played for the Persia Hoppers for many years, a testament to his passion for the game. His love for sports continued throughout his life as he enjoyed following the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Dallas Cowboys, as well as indulging in car racing, both at local dirt tracks and in the NASCAR series.
Dean was known for his great sense of humor and his ability to light up any room. He cherished his relationships with friends and family. As a detail-oriented perfectionist, he approached life with dedication, whether in farming, sports, or his professional career.
In his career, Dean was committed to his work and genuinely cared for his employees and subcontractors, fostering friendships that lasted a lifetime. He took pride in seeing his two sons working alongside each other this summer, a moment that filled his heart with joy.
Dean's greatest pride and joy came later in life with the addition of daughters-in-law, Holly and Chelsie, and the grandchildren who brought him immense happiness. He adored spending time with them, sharing stories, laughter, and love.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Elizabeth. He is survived by his loving wife Lori Hansen of Avoca, Iowa; children Michael and wife Holly Hansen of Shelby, Iowa; Joel Hansen of Avoca, Iowa; Rachell and wife Chelsie Hansen of Gretna, Nebraska; 5 grandchildren: Kendra and Taylen Hansen of Shelby, Iowa; Turner and Owen Hansen of Gretna, Nebraska; Emma Norgaard of Shelby, Iowa; siblings Susan (Andrew) Austin, Sharon (Kalvin) Petersen, David (Annette) Hansen, and Sandra (Mike) Davis; other family and many, many friends.
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