Obituary of Harry Hansen

Harry John Hansen was a first generation Dane, the youngest of three children born to John Hansen, who immigrated to the US from Denmark in 1907 and Ella Petersen, the daughter of Danish immigrants. To this union were three children, Mary, Vera, and Harry. Harry was born on the family homestead north of Genoa April 24,1922. Harry and Daleen had four children, two girls (Loretta and Christy) and two boys (Tim and Ross). In 1965, they lost their oldest son, Tim, who was 16-years- old at the time when he passed in a tragic accident. In January of 2015, Harry and Daleen celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary surrounded by most of their family and extended family. Harry attended Union Country School, a one-room schoolhouse, through the eighth grade. Harry and his two sisters together rode a horse the 3 miles to school and then back home again at the end of the day. Harry was in the first graduating class of the new Genoa School building in 1940. Harry was responsible for most of the farm work while growing up because his father was a carpenter. Harry grew to love farming. After graduating high school, he worked several different jobs but knew his passion was the family farm. In 1944, Harry joined the naval war effort, going to San Diego to serve. While in California, he also held other part time jobs including working in a brewery. On January 30, 1945, he married his sweetheart, Joan Daleen Potts. They were married in Daleen’s parents home in Genoa. Daleen quit nurse’s training and went to California to be with her new husband. When Harry was discharged from the Navy, they moved back to Genoa. They drove a 1934 Ford that took almost as much oil as gas, making for an interesting trip back to Colorado. Harry and Daleen had a long and happy union with many fond memories. For example, the winter of 1948 found the couple living in a four-room sod house north of Genoa. The infamous blizzard of 1948 left them snowed in for three weeks without being able to get off the place. The only entertainment during the storm and the aftermath was a continuous game of monopoly. They have never played monopoly again nor spoken of it with any affection. In the spring of 1948, Harry bought the Conoco gas station in Genoa, and the couple moved from the country into the town of Genoa. Harry, however, continued to farm while running the gas station. In 1955, Harry traded the Conoco station for the farm where they lived for 59 years. Over the years, they renovated and made additions to the farmhouse and buildings. They raised their children on the farm and enjoyed their grandchildren, until moving into Carla’s Assisted Living in 2014. Harry was a member of the Genoa Evangelical United Brethren Church, which later became the Genoa United Methodist Church. Harry was very involved with numerous remodels of the church, including the stained glass doors, donated by Harry and Daleen in memory of their son, Tim. The beautiful doors have been moved and are now enjoyed as windows above the entrance to the church. Harry enjoyed being involved in the community and serving on the Genoa School Board in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. He was also a long time member of the Genoa Lions Club. Harry enjoyed socializing and visiting with friends. He enjoyed playing cards for most of his life. For many years, Harry and Daleen were either hosting or going to pinnocle parties every other weekend. Harry also enjoyed going to the local coffee spot several times a week until the last year of his life to visit and to hear everyone’s news. Harry took the family on many trips. Once the kids were grown, Harry and Daleen continued to travel in the US, Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, and Europe. They also enjoyed many Elderhostel educational vacations. Harry valued education and was proud to see all his kids graduate from college. He also enjoyed helping young people, providing employment for many through the years on the farm. Harry’s love of farming never diminished. He ran a tractor well into his 80’s and would have loved to continue running the tractor to the very end. Harry was always most happy working the land. In February of 2014, Harry and Daleen made the difficult decision to move from their home of 66 years into Carla’s Cluster Care. He grew to appreciate the caregivers and value their friendship. The transition was a difficult one, made much easier by the wonderful and compassionate staff surrounding the residents. On behalf of Harry and the family, we would like to thank all of the wonderful, kind caregivers at Carla’s Cluster Care; Dr. Olson and the staff of the Limon Family Practice; the doctors, nurses and staff at Lincoln Community Hospital; the Hugo and Limon Ambulance Service; and all the many friends who have stopped to visit at Carla’s or at the hospital, it has meant so much to our family. Harry was preceded in in death by his son, Tim; sister, Mary Brintnall, and nephew Ricky Clark. Harry is survived by his wife of 70 years, Daleen; his sister Vera Clark of Aurora, Colorado; daughter Lori Hansen, of Bennett, Colorado; daughter Christy Cook (Fred) of Salt Springs Island, British Columbia Canada; son Ross Hansen (Sharon) of Genoa, Colorado; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.