Leo C. Hansen, 92

Published 7:01 am Sunday, June 5, 2016

Hansen

Leo C. Hansen, age 92 of Austin, Minnesota, died peacefully May 30, 2016 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Leo was born on Aug. 11, 1923, in Huron, South Dakota, to Leo J. and Alice F. (Stuart) Hansen. His father was a baker and at an early age, Leo worked alongside him. His family moved to Faribault, Minnesota where he graduated from Bethlehem Academy in 1942. He attended St. John’s University in St. Cloud, Minnesota before enlisting in the U.S. Navy cadet training in 1943. He later transferred and served as a baker on the troop ship, the USS St. Mary in the Pacific Theater until June of 1946, when he joined his father at the Sanitary Bakery in Faribault. Upon his father’s death, he took over the bakery and passed that skill on to his children.

On Aug. 24, 1946, he and Joanne Van Ryn were united in marriage at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Faribault. This August would mark their 70th anniversary. Leo and Joanne moved to Austin in 1951. They became active in the parish of St. Augustine.

Leo was employed by Hormel Foods for 33 years.

From the Guard Force, he was promoted to shipping supervisor. Leo was active as a Boy Scout leader for many years for Troop 113 chartered by Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed family camping trips, canoeing and following his children’s activities in sports and music.

He enjoyed converting an old school bus for family camping trips, tent camping, canoeing, annual neighborhood ice rink, school projects and all the repairs that go with a big house and large family. He was active in his church, the school board, Parish Council, Guitar Group, Diocesan Christian Family Movement. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW and American Legion. He loved to sing and of course, Lawrence Welk every Saturday night was a given. He was quick to volunteer to his church community, friends, neighbors and extended family, and later in life, any chance to play golf. After retirement from Hormel’s, he worked with Mayer Funeral Home for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne; eight children: Kathy Hansen of Eagan, Mark (Jan) of Faribault, David of Columbus, Ohio, Joy Maryanha of Austin, Michael (Carol) of Winona, Minnesota, Thomas of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Patrick (Kelly) of Burnsville, Minnesota and Susan Hansen of Austin; 23 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; one sister, Patricia Bosacker of Faribault.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Alice (Stuart) Hansen; his daughter-in-law, Shelley Ryan Hansen; and brother-in-law, Wally Bosacker.

A funeral mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Jim Steffes officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post No. 91 and VFW Post No. 1216.

Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.