Laurel ‘Jack’ Hansen, 88, of Brookings, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, at Jenkins Living Center, in Watertown. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 am Friday, May 28, 2021 at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings
Laurel ‘Jack’ Hansen was born on June 27, 1932, in Elkton, SD, the son of Jacob and Barbara (Kontz) Hansen. Jack spent his early years growing up in Elkton and received his education from the Elkton School District. He went on to attend South Dakota State University. He was united in marriage to Ila Mae Bauman on Aug. 6, 1952 in Luverne, MN.
Jack served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, where he received a Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged in 1959.  Jack was then the owner and operator of Hansen Trucking, which he ran from 1963 to 1970. He then worked many years for Prunty Construction. Jack also spent many years as a gravedigger in the Brookings area.
In his younger years, Jack liked going hunting. He also enjoyed racing and going to the races. Jack was blessed with the gift of gab, and could often be found in conversation with anyone he came across. Jack was a busy body, and was always finding ways to keep busy, and was known for his large garden.
Jack is survived by two grandchildren and a host of relatives.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ila Mae and son, Gary Hansen; two brothers, Ilor and Nels Hansen.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.