Obituary Record

Gerald F. Hansen
Died on 5/26/2018

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#1-Published in the Enterprise June 1, 2018

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Gerald F. “Jerry” Hansen passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 26, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was born in Omaha on May 6, 1943, son of Dorothy and Reinhardt Hansen. He grew up on a farm near Tekamah and graduated from Tekamah High School in 1961. He then attended Grinnell College in Iowa and graduated in 1965 with a bachelor's degree in economics. Soon after, he enlisted in the Navy and served for four years during the Vietnam War on the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) and the USS Hancock (CVA-19). After the end of his enlistment, he farmed land in rural Washington County.

In 1983, Jerry joined the staff at the Walthill-based Center for Rural Affairs, a non-profit advocacy organization supporting beginning farmer opportunities and sustainable agriculture. Jerry’s farming background helped keep the Center’s staff grounded in reality. Jerry co-authored the Center’s publications, FmHA Farm Loan Handbook and Farm Bankruptcy Handbook and was involved in writing Nebraska legislation designed to help farmers facing foreclosure.

He met his wife Jenny in 1987 at the Center, and they were married in 1990. Soon after, they bought a farm near Montezuma, Iowa, where their son, Matt, was born in 1991.

Jerry was partially paralyzed in an accident in 1998 while living near Clarinda, Iowa, but persevered. In his later years, he greatly enjoyed spending time with his family as well as gardening, making rock jewelry and artwork, and raising birds. He and his wife lived in Hawaii for several years prior to moving back to the area. He was incredibly tough, opinionated and honest, but also very loving.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Warren. He is survived by his wife and son. A gathering for friends and family will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 2, in Tekamah at the VFW, 140 S 13th St.

Memorials in care of the family for future designation.

#2-Published in the Omaha World Herald May 30, 2018

Hansen, Gerald F. Gerald F. Hansen passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 26th, in Council Bluffs. He was born in Omaha May 6, 1943, son of Dorothy and Reinhardt. He graduated from Tekamah High School and then Grinnell College. He served in the Navy during Vietnam and later farmed in NE and IA, also working at the Center for Rural Affairs. He is survived by his loving wife, Jenny; and son, Matt. A GATHERING for friends and family will be held from 2–4:30pm Saturday, June 2nd, in Tekamah, NE, at the VFW (140 S 13th Street). Memorials in care of the family for future designation.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file at the Blair Public Library.~~~

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