Donald Hansen

Donald "Don" Hansen of Grant, NE passed away surrounded by family on July 19, 2021 at Perkins County Hospital in Grant, NE at the age of 86.

Don was born in Filley, NE to Charles and Mildred (Cornelius) Hansen on June 5 th 1935. When he was 5 years old he moved to Beatrice, NE with his mother and sisters, where he attended Elementary, Junior High and 3 years of high school. In 1952, Don made a trip to Venango, NE with his mother to visit her friends, Charles and Mae Curtis. He loved it there so decided to stay, graduating from Venango High School in 1953.

Don loved baseball and was a centerfielder for the Venango (later Brandon) town baseball team. He was a member of the Nebraska State semi-pro team and represented Nebraska in Wichita, KS at the National semi-pro tournament 1961 (Venango) and 1964 (Brandon Bombers).

In 1955, Don married Nancy Lee Hiatt in Venango, NE. Don and Nancy had three children, Devren, Jamie, and Kelly. Don held various jobs in Venango, working for the Farmers Elevator and for his father-in-law farming, feeding cattle (which he hated), carpentry and managing the Hiatt Lumber Yard. He also owned a filling station for a short time.

In January of 1964 Don decided to become a teacher and attended Kearney State Teacher's College. He graduated in January of 1968 with a bachelor's degree in education, and in 1974, Don received his master's degree in vocational education from Kearney State. Don moved the family to Scotia, NE where he taught business for 5 years at North Loup-Scotia High School. In 1973 the family moved to Arnold, NE where Don continued to teach business and coach young students in volleyball, track, golf, and girls basketball for 25 years. Don retired in 1997 and he and Nancy moved to Grant, NE.

Don's passion and favorite pastime was golf. He traveled all over Nebraska, southern Florida, Arizona, and other southern states to play the game he loved with family and friends. Don was also an avid fan of Nebraska football and volleyball, watching the games at every opportunity. Don was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Pheasant Run Senior Golf team, and the Broken Bow Elk's Lodge.

Don was a fun-loving man who loved his family and friends very much. He always had a kind word to share. Don was accepting of all people and recognized the good in all. If you met Don as a stranger, you parted as friends.

Don is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nancy; his son Devren (Cindy) Hansen of Grant, NE ; his
daughter, Jamie (Cary) Perkins of Loveland, CO and daughter Kelly Hansen of Grant, NE; his favorite ex- daughter-in-law Penny Hansen of Phoenix, AZ; sisters, Carole Barker of Montezuma, IA, Jo Ann Wester of Beatrice, NE, and Linda Williams of Beatrice, NE. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren; Cory, Jaren (Jarhead), Jessie (Jess-a-Mess), Spencer, Ashlee (Ashwee), Melissa, Stephanie, Kenyon, Cameron, Keeler, and Harper; 13 great grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his father Charles, mother Mildred, sister Arlene, grandparents and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial has been established in Don's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

The family would like guests to don their Big Red Attire for Don's services in honor of his love for The Big Red.

Services will be on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 10:30 am at the Grant United Methodist Church with Pastor Lorri Kentner officiating. Interment will be in the Venango Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Friday, from 2 pm until 6 pm, at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant is in charge of arrangements.