Verne Hansen
April 19, 1932 ~ June 3, 2023
Verne Jon Hansen, 91, of Faulkton, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Faulkton Area Medical Center.
A celebration of life will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 12, 2023, at the United Church of Faulkton with Pastor Shawn Stoll presiding. Burial will follow in the Faulkton Cemetery.
Verne was born to proud parents Leonard Dale and Mary Ann (McLean) Hansen of Gettysburg, South Dakota on April 19, 1932.
Verne graduated from Gettysburg High School and went on to attain an associate degree in accounting from Aberdeen School of Commerce, South Dakota. Verne married his loving wife on September 9, 1956, they were to be married 67 years in September. Verne moved to Faulkton after attaining his degree in 1954.
Verne originally worked for Jay Brashear, the town veterinarian from 1954 to 1960. Verne went on to open his own business selling insurance and bookkeeping in 1961. Eventually this business expanded its services to include tax preparation and apartment management. Verne was the Faulkton City Mayor in the late seventies and early eighties. He belonged to many boards and groups including, Odd Fellows, Faulkton Area Lions, and the hospital board. Verne loved Faulkton and worked tirelessly to improve and grow the town, its businesses, and services. His notable achievements were his contributions to the Faulkton Inn Motel, the new Autumn Leaves Senior Citizens building, and the Faulkton Area Medical Center.
Verne was a great husband and father with many interests and hobbies. He will be missed by his family and Faulkton, his adopted home. The family wishes to thank all the great people in the sheriff’s department (especially Brent Koens), the ambulance crews, and all the staff of the Faulkton Area Medical Center for all the efforts they made for Verne. This family owes a debt to all these people for their tireless efforts on behalf of Verne. Faulkton may not have been where he was born, but Verne bled black and gold for the place he made his home.
Verne is survived by his wife, Mickie Louise (Bierman) Hansen; three sons: Wade Jay (Domonique) Hansen of Denver, CO, Ward John (Theresa) Hansen of Chicago, IL, and Jess Leonard Hansen of Faulkton; one sister: Connie May Hansen-Edris of Little Flock, Arkansas; and his five grandchildren and one great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings: Dale Curtis Hansen, Dean Hans Hansen, Kaylene Ann Hansen, and Karen Ray Hansen-Whitcomb.
Memorials in Verne's honor may be directed to the Faulkton Area Medical Center Hospital Foundation, PO Box 100, Faulkton, SD 57438.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Verne’s arrangements.
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I have such good memories of this young man when he came to Faulkton to work for the Vet Doc Brascher. He made friends quickly with everyone and was on a constant run trying to learn the trade and please everyone. Dear Vern: You have left a lasting History with being involved with most everything that took place in town. Rest InPeace My Friend. Joyce
Verne was a visionary. Verne cared for others around him – his family, his church, and the entire community of Faulkton. I was blessed to know him… Verne's life served as an inspiration to all that follow.
Condolences to Mickey and Verne's family. Verne will not be soon forgotten. Anyone that was fortunate enough to work with Verne knew his passion for the residents of Faulkton and the surrounding area.
Verne was a larger than life example of a human being that changed the world into a better place. Rest in Peace, my friend.
May love and prayers surround you, Mickie, and all of your family. Verne was an awesome gentleman and extraordinary Christian soul. I so enjoyed the many times we would have coffee and conversations at the office . He had an infectious laugh and genuine love of people. He has done so much for Faulkton and leaves a memorable legacy. God bless the saints who from their labors rest.
It was my pleasure to know Verne and all of his accomplishments to make Faulkton a city to be proud of. I know he worked tirelessly to make Faulkton what it is today. Sending my condolences to Mickey and the entire family and friends of Verne. God Bless all of you . SUE Petersen.
We are very proud to have known such a wonderful man. We are so glad to have reconnected to him and Mickey
So sorry for your loss. Verne is who I first think of when I hear the name “Faulkton”, I think he found the “good life” there. RIP Verne.
So sorry to hear of Verne’s passing. What a great individual. Verne and Mickie have been so instrumental through the years in making Faulkton a better place to live with all of the things they have been involved in.
I became good friends with Verne (or VJ as we called him then) when I worked for Cameron’s SuperValu and he and I and Jim Anglin would have coffee at Muehl’s City Bakery every morning and solve all of the world’s problems. What great memories. Whenever I would be back during the 60 plus years since then, he always made me feel like was genuinely glad to see me. He will truly be missed!
Verne and I were "facebook history" friends. We didn't know each other personally, but I could always count on him to answer so many of my questions. He had an amazing memory and love for local history.