William R Hansen

William R. Hansen, Jr, age 94 of Brainerd, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Northern Lakes Senior Living in Baxter. Bill was born in Brainerd to William, Sr. and Jessie (Ellis) Hansen. He married the love of his life, Rebecca Sandven on July 17, 1955, and together they raised 4 children. Bill worked for Brainerd Public Schools for 29 years retiring in 1991. He first taught 6th grade at Baxter Elementary and then finished his career at Washington Middle School.

William lived on the family farm south of Brainerd until the final year of his life. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, singing in the choir and serving on a variety of committees. Bill supported numerous community organizations, including the Crow Wing County Historical Society, Lakes Area Concert Association, Boy Scouts of America, North Countrymen Singers and Brainerd Sports Boosters. For many years he was a familiar face at SilverSneakers at the YMCA. Bill enjoyed traveling with his family, was a voracious reader and expressed himself poetically in his own humorous style. He never passed up an opportunity for a visit with family and friends over a cup of coffee and a cookie . . . or two.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, John Hansen, Ann (Clint) Malwitz and David (Jana) Hansen; grandsons, Jacob Malwitz, Joel Malwitz, Charles Hansen, Timothy Hansen and Christopher Hansen; great-grandsons, Thorin and Olin Hansen.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Becky; son, Brad; sisters, Joni Hill and Irene Hanson; brothers, Georgie and Donald (infant).

A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 11AM at Trinity Lutheran Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials can be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Crow Wing County Historical Society and Museum.