Nancy Hansen

November 15, 1940 - July 9, 2024

Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, AUGUST 12 at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD.

Service: Memorial services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, AUGUST 13, 2024 at St. John’s American Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD. 

        Nancy Ann Hansen, age 83, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Sioux Falls, SD.  Memorial services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at St. John’s American Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD.  Visitation, with family present, will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, August 12 at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. John American Lutheran Choir, Project Car, or REACH Literacy.

          Nancy was born on November 15, 1940 in Canton, SD to Harry and Genev (Rude) Skaien.  She grew up in Canton, graduating from Canton High School in 1958.  She later earned a degree from Dakota State University.

          Nancy married Michael Hansen in 1961 in Canton, SD.  Geoff, Geni, Genetta and Gretchen were born to this union.  The couple made their home in Sioux Falls and later moved to Brandon, SD.

          In addition to raising her family, Nancy was a former 3rd grade teacher, reporter for the Brandon Valley Reporter, Director of the Girl Scouts, and Director of the Sioux Falls Area Literacy Council (now known as REACH Literacy).

          In her spare time, Nancy enjoyed sewing, drawing, calligraphy, playing piano, and helping her community. She cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. In addition, she was a member of Toastmasters and Project Car, served on the Brandon City Council from 1977-1981, and was the 2011 recipient of the Larry Oppold Memorial Award.   She also volunteered at the Sioux Falls Police Department and at Family Readiness for SDANG.

          Nancy will be remembered as a kind-hearted soul who believed the best in people, often arrived fashionably late, was famous for her orange Jello and potato salad, and always had a Cool Whip container ready for leftovers.

          Grateful for sharing her life are her children, Geoff (Nicola) Hansen, Geni Domagala, Genetta (Ted) Wehrspann, and Gretchen Hansen; grandchildren, Logan (JJ), Dalton, Emma, Charlee, Tim, and Pat; great-grandchildren, Kayson and one due soon; sister, Mary Pedersen; sister-in-law, Sharon Skaien; cats, Winky and Mittens; and many extended relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, David Skaien; and brother-in-law, Wally Waldroup.

Leave a Condolence
Your email address will not be published.

9 messages have been left

  1. Lazetta VanDenTop on July 10, 2024 said:

    I send my Love & prayers for comfort on your loss.. Nancy and I are CHS Classmates 1958 & always loved our reunions last year was our 65th.. I will cherish our memories…

  2. Charlotte Taggart on July 11, 2024 said:

    I worked with your Mom a couple of times and she was so sweet. So very sorry for your loss.

  3. Mary Pedersen on July 11, 2024 said:

    So long Sis. I miss you already, but I’ll be along pretty soon. Love you forever. YSF

  4. Arnie Pedersen on July 11, 2024 said:

    Sincere condolences to all the family in Nancy’s passing!
    May God Bless you all during this difficult time.

  5. Arnie Pedersen on July 14, 2024 said:

    Sincere condolences to all of the family.
    May God Bless you all during this difficult time.
    She is now at peace with our Lord and Savior:Jesus Christ.

  6. Joyce A. Hubregtse on July 18, 2024 said:

    My sympathies on your loss. I worked with Nancy at the Literacy Council. She immediately impressed me with her passion for people to be able to read. I enjoyed working with her and learning how to teach non-English learners. She motivated me to go back to college and get a degree teaching English to others. I still think of her often and remember all that she did for several communities and persons. She was truly a servant and promoter of good! She will be missed by many.

  7. Amy Wetering on July 20, 2024 said:

    Genetta, Ted and family of Nancy,
    It was a pleasure knowing your mom, Nancy. I have fondness in my heart for her. As I had come to know Nancy over the last year at Ponderosa Lodge, I realize what a warm, sweet lady she was; she was unique, resilient and dedicated to her family, her cat Ruby, (and most recently her 2 little kitty’s) and her lifes work. I will miss her.
    Peace to your family,
    Amy Wetering
    Ponderosa Lodge

  8. Robin Brooke on July 31, 2024 said:

    I met Nancy in 2019 when I flew to Sioux Falls to teach a voiceover class. We ended up connecting on FB and messaged each other weekly. She was such an amazingly warm and cheerful soul. When I read the news I was so very sad, and I miss our chats very much. But I know she’s watching over all who she loved and is making tons of friends in her new life. Wishing peace and comfort to her family and friends. ♥️♥️♥️

  9. Betty (Hoffman) Poliahu on August 11, 2024 said:

    I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Nancy, my CHS classmate. We were good friends all through high school and continued that friendship throughout the years through Christmas letters and messages on Messenger. The last message I received from Nancy was just last month on July 4, wishing me a Happy Fourth of July. I will always remember her radiant smile. My love and prayers are with all of the family. May our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ bring you comfort and peace.