RAYMOND ALLEN HANSEN, age 95 of Waterville passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2018.
Born on April 1, 1923 in Lake Crystal, Minnesota, Raymond was the son of Christian and Valborg (Larson) Hansen. He joined the US Marine Corp on June 15, 1944 and served in WWII. He watched American troops hoist the first American Flag on Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945. He was wounded after 26 days in action on Iwo Jima on March 15, 1945 and was awarded the Purple Heart. He returned home to the love of his life, Catherine Seys and they were married on July 6, 1945 and celebrated 73 years of marriage.
Raymond and Catherine settled north of Waterville where they farmed until retiring in 1988. Raymond also drove school bus for the Waterville School District for 37 years. He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and always had a joke. He loved life!
Ray is survived by his wife, Kate; four daughters, Cheryl (Paul) Armendariz, Kathleen (Vern) Powell, Patricia (Dave) Gertz, and Sarah Hansen; 9 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and one sister, Betty (Fred) Schaal. Their home was always open to care for family. They were foster parents for many children who became an extended family. They include, Teresa (Gordy) Ferch, Gordon and Dorothy Hinderscheit, Alfred (Pat) Hinderscheit, Bernie (Bob) Mackey, Rose Hinderscheit, and Shelly and Kay Radloff. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Thorvald Hansen; daughter, Susan; granddaughter, Tracy Jevning; two brothers, Hartley and Curtis; and three sisters, Viola, Donna, and Doris.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 3, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Waterville. Visitation will be held on Monday from 9:00 AM until the time of services at the church. Burial will follow at Sakatah Cemetery in Waterville. Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services of Waterville is handling arrangements. dennisfuneralhomes.com
