Ralph Hansen

Ralph Hansen, age 95, died Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at Bohlman Manor in Birnamwood. He was born June 12, 1918 in Mattoon, son of the late Christ and Helga (Jacobsen) Hansen. He married Toini "Gertie" Karpinnen on April 26, 1941 in Chicago. She survives and currently resides in Birnamwood. Mr. Hansen attended grade school in Mattoon and graduated from Elcho High School. He served in the US Air Force in World War II, and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. He owned and operated a steel engraving business in Chicago. He later continued the business out of his home in Elcho. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, and fishing. He also operated a hobby farm, where he raised beef cattle. Mr. Hansen was a member of Faith Evangelical Free Church in Woodruff, and was active in the Gideons International. While he resided in Chicago, he served on boards for his church and missions. In addition to his wife, survivors include 3 daughters, Carol (Larry) Larson of Birnamwood, Shirley DeBorde of Texas, and Linda (John) McGhee of Sanford, FL; a son, Ronald Hansen of Birnamwood; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and a great-great grandchild. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Hansen; 4 sisters; 3 brothers; and son-in-law, Tom Christensen. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Church of the Nazarene in Mattoon, with Pastor Mark Quinn officiating. Burial will follow the service at Woodlawn Cemetery, where local veterans will perform military honors. Visitation will be 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home and 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Gideons International.