Gene Hansen

Gene L. Hansen, Albert Lea, MN passed away on June 27, 2024. 

Born on August 19, 1944, in Albert Lea, MN to father, Glenn "Dale" Hansen and mother, Colleen (Halvorson) Hansen. Gene attended Albert Lea High School. During his senior year, he worked at the West Side Pharmacy where he learned long lasting work ethics from Bob Nolting. He graduated in 1962, then attended Augustana College. He returned to Albert Lea and worked at Wilson & Co until an opening became available as an Albert Lea Police Officer. One of the first police jobs he enjoyed was the night "walking beat", then as patrol officer and later became a Juvenile Officer for the Albert Lea Police Dept. His duties also included being the range officer as Fire Arms Instructor for the force. He attended many Pistol Shoot Matches in MN and was a Master Sharp Shooter winning many awards.

He married Joanne (Olson) on February 22, 1964 in Albert Lea. They had two children; daughter, Kimberly Jean and son, Jon Thomas. Gene was a Boy Scout leader for several years taking his troupe camping up north and traversing them on challenging canoe boundary water trips. He enjoyed the outdoors and when home, made sure the birds in his back yard were well fed though out the year.

Gene loved to drive, so for many years during his time off, he delivered new motorhomes all over the country for Winnebago Industries. Years later he learned to drive semis and delivered them to dealers for Dave Syverson Ford. He loved to travel all over the world as well as in the States. He visited at least 70 countries including many in the Middle East, Europe, China, Thailand, Brazil, and Mexico as well as most of the States in the U.S. His favorite place on earth was Isla Mujeres, MX where he spent many wonderful days lying in a hammock, reading a book and enjoying the warm sun. He traveled there more than 40 years with family and friends. Besides family, his travel buddies included Dick Davies, Adrian Storvick, Jim Donovan, Jim Bale and Don Richter; they had many interesting adventures.

Gene shared his love for classic cars with members of the Old Car Club. He ordered his beloved 1969 Plymouth Road Runner convertible from the factory and drove it for many years. He also drove his 1931 Model A Ford in several parades. Unfortunately, due to health problems he had to give up driving his Gold Wing motorcycle a few years ago.

Living close to a golf course provided many opportunities to improve his score and have fun playing pasture pool. Gene's unusual sense of humor created many entertaining moments.

Gene loved all of his pets (past and present), especially little Chloe and grand dog, Ellie.

Survivors include Joanne, daughter Kimberly (Jeff) Turner, son Jon (Tracy Smith) Hansen, grandchildren; Elias (Rachel) Hansen, Lindsey Turner, Brittney (Josiah) Turner, Tanner Smith, Tatum Smith, Trinity Smith, Talon Smith and great granddaughter, Aurora Pierce Turner; sister, Cathy (John) Zeglin, brothers Steve (Chris) Hansen, Jeff (Julie) Hansen and Rob (Carrie) Hansen.

Gene will be missed by many. He will laughingly be remembered by his grandchildren who called him a "sloth", because he was always so slow to do anything. Gene was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great granddaughter.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024, from 2-4:00PM at the American Legion Post #56. He will be buried at Lakewood Cemetery.