Elsie Alvina Hansen
July 27, 1939 - February 28, 2018
Obituary
Elsie Hansen (born Elsie Alvina Garness) came into the world on July 27, 1939 on the family farm in Newell, South Dakota. By the grace of God she was baptized on November 12, 1939 and later confirmed on May 24, 1953.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Elsie graduated from Newell High School in the spring of 1957. Wanting to see as much of the USA as possible, she continued her studies at the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota, graduating in 1959. Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa was her next educational stop, graduating with her AA in 1961.
Elsie joined the Army (Women’s Army Corps) after graduation and was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. After completing two years of service to her country, Elsie joined the Billy Graham organization for a time and also lived in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In 1965, Elsie secured a job at Denny Park Lutheran Church in Seattle where she showed off her excellent typing skills as the church secretary. Three years later she began working at GAB Business Services where she met lifelong friend Arleen Jorgensen. In 1969, Elsie took a job with the Washington State Highways.
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24
Ever the adventurer, on April 25, 1971, Elsie Garness joined William Hansen in holy matrimony. Bill had four children already and they had three more together. In 1978, the Hansen family became members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Elsie was active in the Dorcas Society and was a faithful member for 40 years.
Elsie enjoyed gardening, crafting, camping with her family, and spending time with friends. Elsie was able to take van trips with her family to Alaska, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and Mt. Rushmore in her home state. Bill and Elsie also ventured to Hawaii and Tahiti to see even more of the world.
In her later years, Elsie enjoyed her time with her husband and grandchildren. Elsie moved to Wesley Homes with the early stages of Alzheimer’s where they cared for her until she was called home to rest in the arms of Jesus on February 28, 2018 at the age of 78.
Jesus Lives! The victory is won! Jesus Lives! Death’s reign is done!
Elsie was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, William Hansen. She is survived by her three children, Rachel (Doviak), Timothy, and Michael and their five children; her four step-children William III, Mark, David, and Karen (Volkman) and their four children; and her siblings, Raymond, Chester and Mary (Caswell
Raymond, Chester & Mary and all of Elsie’s family, sorry to hear of your loss. Elsie & I made contact with many years ago would get together at each others house for visits. We attended her wedding & visited each other homes. Along the way we both became busy with our families and soon lost contact with on another. I often wondered about them was unable to make contact.
I’ve included a picture of us taken Christmas 1958 when she came to our home.
My sympathy to Elsie’s family. She and I were in high school together, also went to Luther League meetings. I’m glad to read she traveled a lot and enjoyed her adventures.
My condolences to Elsie’s children and siblings. Newell is such a small town and we knew everyone and did a lot of visiting. So happy that she had a wonderful life.