Karen Ann Hansen

RUSHFORD, MINN. - Karen Ann Hansen, 55, of rural Rushford died Saturday, May 8, 2004, as the result of a car accident near Eyota, Minn. Karen Ann (Francis) Hansen was born on September 19, 1948, at St. James, Minnesota to Owen and Alma Francis. She was Baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church of rural St. James. She graduated from St. James High School in 1966, and was active in 4-H, High School Band and City Band during her youth. She attended Mankato State University. After her education, she held various positions with Trimont Cooperative, Watonwan County Farm Bureau at St. James. During this time she was active in the Watonwan County Republican Party. On September 17, 1983, Karen Married Eugene Hansen and moved to rural Rushford, Minnesota. During the early years of their marriage, Karen was a homemaker, and gave birth and cared for their two children, Nathan (age18) and Michelle (age 16). After several years she took a position with Peterbilt of Winona, and most recently was employed with Winona Agency. During these years at Rushford, Karen was a member of the Lewiston- Altura School Board, active in the local Farm Bureau organization, a 4-H mother/leader, part of the Echo Ridge homemakers group, the Minnesota State A.S.C.S committee from 1988-1992. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining and being around people. Karen's greatest joy has been attending and supporting her two children in their school and extra-curricular activities. She is survived by her husband, Eugene; two children: Nathan and Michelle; mother, Alma Francis of St. James, Minn.; one sister, Marci (Gene) Sanford of Faribault, Minn.; one brother, Mike Francis of St. James, Minn.; two cousins: Joann (Darryl) Jensen of St. James, Minn. and Val (Terry) Drommerhausen of New Prague, Minn.; mother-in-law, Billie Hansen of Rushford; and two sisters-in-law: Kathy Hansen of Great Falls Montana and Karen Hansen of Minneapolis, Minn., and many other relatives and friends. The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 13, 2004, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Wilson, Minn. with the Rev. Paul Stratman officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Hoff Funeral Homes - Lewiston Chapel where there will be a prayer service following the visitation. There will also be visitation one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Burial will be in the church cemetery.