Frances M. (Maassen) Hansen was born April 30, 1923 on a farm near Corley, Iowa to Julius Maassen and Ida (Scheel) Maassen. She went to Fairview No. 5 country school. She graduated from Harlan High School in 1940. After high school she worked for 5 years for the REC in Harlan. She met Dale W. Hansen at a dance in Corley, Iowa. They were married after his return from WWII in 1945.
They began farming on a farm north of Walnut until 1956. Then they started farming he Peters lace south of town. They continued farming for the Peters sisters until their deaths after which Dale and Frances purchased their farm. They continued farming until they retired to Avoca, Iowa in 1989. They moved to Peace Haven Retirement Home in 2004. Dale died in 2005.
They were the parents of four children: Roger, Lynn, Pam and Jay. Roger died in 1990 at the age of 43. Frances is a longtime member of Peace United Church of Christ where she served in various offices of the Women’s Fellowship and as Sunday School treasurer for many years. She enjoyed going to dances with Dale and was a member of two country card clubs. She continued to enjoy playing cards while at Peace Haven.
In addition to Roger and Dale, she was preceded in death by her parents; brother Ed; sister Betty and two grandchildren: Amanda Hansen and Jason John.
On Friday, March 13, 2020, Frances passed away at Heritage House in Atlantic, Iowa having attained the age of ninety-six years, ten months and thirteen days. She is survived by her children Lynn (Jane) Hansen of Anita, Iowa; Pamela (James) John of Lee Summit, Missouri; Jay (Liz) Hansen of Grinnell, Iowa; grandchildren Angie Zimmerman; Susie Larsen; Mitchel Hansen; Tina Wray; Eric John; Jill Shedek; Rachel Herring and Caleb Hansen; 14 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, other family and many friends.
Graveside Services for 96-year old Frances Hansen will be held Saturday, March 21, at 11:00 a.m. at the Graceland Cemetery in Avoca. . The Pauley-Funeral Home ins Avoca is in charge of the arrangements.
