Wilfred Marvin Hansen

Sept. 16, 1933-May 5, 2011


BENKELMAN, Nebraska -- Wilfred Marvin Hansen was born Sept. 16, 1933, in Dundy County, Nebraska to Marvin and Velma (Miller) Hansen. The Lord took him home at the age of 77 years and 7 months on May 5, 2011, at the Medical Center of Aurora in Colorado.

Wilfred and Helen (Baney) were married May 10, 1953, at Benkelman United Methodist Church. To this union four children were born: Donnie, Tresa, Cindy and Monty.
Wilfred served in the U.S. Army from 1953-55, and was stationed in Korea for 13 months. After serving his country he received his honorable discharge and started his lifelong occupation of farming, and continued until the time of his death. Wilfred excelled in his vocation of choice due to hard work and good management.

Wilfred committed his life to the Lord at an early age and remained a witness for Christ throughout his life even during his extended hospital stay. He was a lifelong member of the Friends Church, first at the Pleasant Valley Friends Church in rural Dundy County and then the Benkelman Friends Church and most recently attended Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Imperial.

Wilfred was a devoted husband and father providing for and nurturing his family in a Christian home. He disciplined his time to attend as many events with his children and grandchildren as possible. Wilfred was civic minded and served on numerous boards in the community. He was active in church leadership, served on The Benkelman Co-op Board and more recently on the Benkelman Cemetery Board and on the Dundy County Farm Bureau Board.

Wilfred was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Velma Hansen; son, Donnie Gene; and brother, Lyle.

He is survived by his loving wife, Helen, of 58 years; daughters, Tresa and husband, Dann Watson of McCook, Nebraska, and Cindy and husband, Dave Whisenhunt of Billings, Montana; son, Monty and wife, Ange (Behlke) Hansen of Benkelman; sisters, Ellen Teeter and Elaine Damrow; brother, Duane; aunts, Velma Case and Margie Bartels; eight grandchildren; one great grandson; and a host of family and friends.
The funeral service in honor of Wilfred is Thursday, May 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Crossroads Wesleyan Church, 1719 Wesley Dr., Imperial, Nebraska, with Rev. Todd Burpo officiating. He will be laid to rest with military honors at the Benkelman Cemetery following the service at 2 p.m.

The family will be present to receive friends during visitation on today from 6-8 p.m. at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the church, charity or organization of the donor's choice.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of the arrangements.