Carl D. Hansen

Carl Dean Hansen passed away on October 16, 2024 at the age of 75 after a courageous battle with cancer. Carl was known to never back down from a challenge and he faced his cancer with great determination.

Carl was preceded in death by his only child, Gregory Travis Hansen. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara, his sister Janet Kosmicki, his brother Galen Hansen, his brothers in-law Roy Brinkley and Melvin Kosmicki, sister in-law Debra Hansen, and many nieces and nephews.

Carl was born in Aurora, Nebraska on June 12, 1949. Carl’s family were farmers and made several moves around the state before settling outside of Elba, Nebraska in 1959. Carl grew up helping his family farm and tend to the cattle on a dairy farm. Besides working with his father with the dairy Carl was active in many sports in high school including track and football. Carl graduated from Elba High School in 1967. He then went to Milford College where he obtained a degree in diesel mechanics. Upon graduation he was soon drafted into the US Army. After basic training in Fort Polk, Louisiana Carl was sent to Vietnam. He served with the 7th Cavalry. During his tour there he was seriously wounded. After a 5 month stay he was released from the hospital. He was then stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was there he met Barbara on a blind date. They were engaged 5 months later. When discharged from the Army he made his home in Colorado. Carl worked as a diesel mechanic with Case Power and Equipment for many years. He later worked as a door and window service tech. Before retiring he worked for Brinks Armed Securities.

Carl always felt most at peace when he was in the Colorado mountains. He was usually hunting, fishing, hiking the mountains, or just enjoying nature. When not in the mountains he enjoyed doing woodworking. He combined his two passions when he purchased a cabin in the mountains. He thoroughly loved renovating his cabin and watching all the wildlife while he worked.

Carl and his wife Barbara had 52 wonderful years together before he was diagnosed with cancer. Carl managed his cancer with strength and dignity. His final act was the gift of sight through cornea donation and donating his body for cancer research.

Carl laughed easily and deeply loved by his family, friends, and neighbors. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers please make any donations to the American Cancer Society in Carl’s memory.

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