Irene M. Hansen

Irene M. Hansen, 87, died Sunday, January 27, 2008, at Winona Community Memorial Hospital in Winona, MN following complications of multiple myeloma. Irene was born December 1, 1920 in Norton Township, MN to Paul and Lydia (Gensmer) Pasche. Irene married Francis Hansen on January 26, 1944, in Rochester, MN. Irene was a career military wife who traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe with her husband, Francis. Upon Francis's retirement in the 1960's they moved back to Irene's home area near Altura, MN. In their retirement Irene and Francis traveled the U.S. and Canada displaying the World's Oldest John Deer Tractor which was purchased by the family in 1960. The tractor was sold new in Winona in 1918 and is now owned by the John Deer Co. and on display in their history museum in Moline, IL. Irene moved to Winona in 2003 following her husband's death. Irene was a member of Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church at Norton. Irene is remembered for her love for her family, quilting, crocheting, knitting and the fun she had playing cards. Survivors include her three children, Rodney (Rita) Hansen of Utica, MN, Susan Bess of Cedar Falls, IA and Phillip (Vicki) Hansen of Winona, MN; nine grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Francis, brothers, Walter and Armin and sister, Ella.Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2008, at 10:00am at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church at Norton with the Rev. David Eckert officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service Hansen Goodview Chapel on Wednesday from 5-7:00pm. Following the family's wishes Irene's casket will be closed.Please share a memory of Irene with the family or sign the online guestbook at: www.hofffuneral.com
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