Harlan Hansen

Funeral services for Harlan Hansen will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 10:30 AM at Eidskog Lutheran Church in rural Ortonville, MN. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 6, 2012 from 5-7:00 PM with a Prayer Service at the Larson Funeral Home in Ortonville. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Pastor John Ragan will be officiating. Burial will be at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville.

Harlan Merriam Hansen was born on March 20, 1935 to Merriam and Helga (Mathison) Hansen on the family homestead in Otrey Township. He was baptized and confirmed at Eidskog Lutheran Church. Harlan attended 8 years of country school at District #9 and graduated from Ortonville High School in the class of 1953. As an active student in high school, he also was honored to be elected as an FFA state officer. Harlan served in the National Guard unit for 6 years. He played football, baseball and softball in his youth. Harlan also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

On November 25, 1967, Harlan was united in marriage to Marcella Nordly at Siloah Lutheran Church. They made their home on the family farm and were blessed with two children.

Harlan loved his family and loved spending time with the grandchildren. Eidskog church family was also special to him. He was active on the church board and served as Sunday School teacher and superintendent. Harlan also served on the Otrey Town Board and Mound Cemetery Board (36 years).

Harlan had good friends and neighbors. He never turned down a cup of coffee and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He enjoyed life and kept a high spirit in spite of illness.

Harlan passed away on January 4, 2012 at his home; he had lived to reach the age of 76.

Harlan is survived by his wife Marcella; daughter Ronda (Bruce) Eckhart of Hutchinson, MN; son Jeff (Jodi) Hansen of Omaha, NE; five grandchildren – Maggie, Nathan, Ellie, Erica and Breann; his sister Marlys Chase of Clinton, MN; and sister-in-law Alice Hansen of Hutchinson, MN.

Harlan is preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother Ella Hansen; his brother Kenneth Hansen and brother-in-law Gayland Chase.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Eidskog Lutheran Church, Mound Cemetery Association or Rice Hospice.

Larson Funeral Home in Ortonville is in charge of arrangements. To send condolences to the family, on-line, visit our website at www.larsonfuneral.com