Donald Dale Hansen Jr. was born on March 8, 1951, in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Donald Sr. and Luella Madden Hansen. He was raised in the Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut, Iowa growing up and graduated from Walnut High School in 1969. After graduation, he attended Peru State College to play football and baseball and major in Physical Education. On December 22, 1972, Don married Loleta Kixmiller at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca. To this union 3 children were born: Michelle, Brent and Darrin.
Don enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid golfer, loved playing games/cards with his family, and was always up to tailgate and cheer on his beloved Iowa State Cyclones. He grew up on the farm and sold seed for years, but found his calling as a security manager at Ameristar, where he mentored his employees and officers. He was very well respected by all his employees. The thing he loved above all was being able to care for his wife for the last 58 years.
Don passed away at Bergan Mercy hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, on Sunday, May 26, 2024, having attained the age of 73 years, 2 months and 18 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; Donald Sr. and Luella; brother Allen Hansen; and nephew Kory Vredeveld.
Left to cherish his memory here on earth is his wife Loleta Hansen of Walnut, Iowa; children Michelle and husband Darren Tooley of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; Brent and wife Leslie Hansen of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Darrin Hansen and Heather Bauerkemper of Avoca, Iowa; 5 grandchildren: Kaitlyn and fiancé Jonnie Walker, Preston Tooley, Kamryn Tooley, Korie Hansen and Brady Hansen; 1 great-granddaughter: Mayzie Walker; siblings Daryl Hansen, Rick Hansen, and Lori Hansen; in-laws Bev Hansen, Barbara and husband Ron Vredeveld, Bob and wife Julie Kixmiller; nieces and nephews, other family and many, many friends.
Funeral service for 73 year old Don Hansen Jr of Walnut will be Thursday, May 30th at 10:30am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca with burial in the Layton Township Cemetery.
Family will greet friends Wednesday, May 29th from 5 to 7pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca. For the visitation, please wear your Cyclone gear or your favorite baseball cap, to honor the life of Don Hansen Jr.
Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
