Richard Anthony Hansen, a proud father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Dec. 22, 2024, at the nursing home in Brookings, SD.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Monday Jan. 6, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, at Rude’s Funeral Home.
Born and raised in Aberdeen, Rich grew up on the family farm, where he developed a strong work ethic and a knack for fixing things. Two years after graduating from Roncalli High School, Rich married his high school sweetheart, Marcia (Vaux) Hansen. Shortly thereafter, they started their beautiful family and purchased their first home in 1974, living there until 2015. Rich dedicated much of his professional life to the Aberdeen Public School System, where he worked for 32 years before retiring in 2006.
Rich found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was an avid gardener who took pride in nurturing his plants and enjoyed the quiet satisfaction of collecting coins. As his kids were growing up, Rich loved spending time outdoors fishing and camping, creating cherished memories along the way. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren participate in their various activities, always offering his unwavering support and encouragement.
Rich is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marcia, and four children, Patrick (Becky) Hansen, Tonya (Jeff) Bacon, Monica (Dan) Thomas, and Dan (Jessica) Hansen, along with 14 grandkids, Rachelle (John) Thurow, Whitney (Hans Olsen) Hansen, McKenzie (Sarah) Dempsey, Paige Hansen, Jaden (Hayden) Smith, Isaac Hansen, Ethan Thomas, Maya Hansen, Noah Hansen, Leah Hansen, Ian Hansen, Riley Bacon, Mary-Michelle Bacon, and Dean Bacon; one great-grandson, Silas Thurow; two sisters, Colletta (Joe) Kosiba and Denise (Charlie) Salwei and brother LeRoy (Terry) Hansen, and finally, many nieces and nephews that he also loved dearly.
Rich is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Cecilia Hansen, sisters Bernadette Potter, Fran Shaff, Arlene Quist, and Elizabeth Hansen and a daughter, Mary-Michelle Hansen.
Rich’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the memories he created with those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn his passing.
Special thank you to Neighborhoods at Brookview for their loving care, especially Natasha. And thank you to the hospice staff.
