Donald Willis Hansen

Donald Willis Hansen, age 77, from Mankato, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Born in 1947 in Sleepy Eye, MN, Don was the only child of Willis and Doris Hansen. Don was a member of Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mankato. He graduated from Mankato High School in 1965 and Mankato State College in 1969, where he was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1969-1971. He later graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Nursing in 1979. Donald worked in healthcare as an RN in various positions until his retirement. Following his retirement, he volunteered as a driver for the Minneapolis VA clinic, transporting Disabled American Veterans to and from appointments.

Donald married Karen S. Hansen in 1992 after reconnecting at their 25-year reunion from MHS. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and reading. He loved ski trips out west with his "brother from another mother" lifelong friend, Larry Johnson. He was an avid Ham Radio (WD0I) operator, making many acquaintances around the world and locally. Donald also learned to enjoy yard work and flowers, working with Karen and always helping were their family pets. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in various activities.

Donald is survived by his wife Karen, step children Jill (Darren) Wolke of Prior Lake; Ryan Chase (fiancée Jami) of Shakopee; grandchildren Nick and Amanda Norby, Karlie and Max Chase; and great-grandchild, Denver.  Arrangements are being made with Woodland Hills Funeral Home, Mankato. A Celebration of Life for Don will be held at 11am Saturday May 31, 2025 at Hosanna Lutheran Church followed by military honors.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church.