Paul Hansen, 87, passed away April 16, 2024 at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.
Paul was born February 21, 1937 in a log cabin near Turner Bay, ID to Nels Lars Hansen (1895-1977) an immigrant from Denmark, and Christine Delzer Hansen (19102010) from North Dakota. He attended one room and rural schools in Perkins County. Ruth Rosenau was his first grade teacher. He graduated from Lemmon High School in 1955. After high school he worked for several farmers until he joined the army and served in Korea.
Paul married Carol Knispel November 4, 1961 in Greeley, CO. The couple bought a home in Mobridge where Paul was employed as a welder on the bridge. They had two sons, Allen in 1963 and Bradley in 1965.
Paul worked for various telephone companies before settling in Kansas City in 1974. Paul retired from Sprint in 1997.
After retiring Paul and Carol moved to a farm at Wakonda where they built a new home and several other buildings. During the winter months, Paul and Carol, in their February 21, 1937 – April 16, 2024
new RV, spent their time working for Mission America Placement Services (MAPS) as volunteer church builders and helped to restore the Baptist church in Wakonda. Their favorite project was the winter they helped build the Aloha Church in Hawaii.
Paul liked to restore antique farm equipment and tractors. He belonged to the Tri State Old Iron Club where he enjoyed their activities especially the long tractor rides with his Farmall Super H Tractor. His other greatest joy was spending his time and money on his two grandsons Wesley (born 1999) and Andrew (born 2001).
Paul is survived by his wife Carol and his two sons Allen Hansen and girlfriend Cindy of Leander TX and Brad Hansen and wife Christy, of Overland Park, KS, and two grandsons, Wesley and Drew; two brothers Jens (Marilyn) Hansen of Meadow and Floyd (Alice) Hansen of Jefferson City, MO; and two nephews Craig Hansen and Keith Hansen of Jefferson City.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and father and mother-inlaw, Bernard and Ida Knispel of Coure De Lane, ID.
Paul was always willing to help others and had an abiding faith in God. He was also known for his sense of humor.
A small service and a singing of Paul’s favorite hymns will be held Saturday, April 27 at the Union cemetery conducted by Jeff Martz and Patty Anderson.
(Jens Hansen’s address 12389 198th Ave., Meadow, SD 57644)