In Memory of Wayne Hansen

Wayne Hansen, age 78, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on July 14, 2025, at the CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy, of Omaha, Nebraska.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Father William A. McCarthy will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers donations in honor of Wayne may be directed to his family.

 The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

On July 11, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sherwood and Helen (Czarniak) Hansen welcomed their firstborn son, Wayne William Hansen. He would go on to become the proud older brother to six siblings.

Wayne grew up in the city of Milwaukee, where he received his education and graduated with the class of 1965 from Pulaski High School. After graduation, he worked various jobs and, in time, met the love of his life, Mary E. Pyykola. The couple eloped on June 19, 1969, beginning a lifelong journey together.

Wayne and Mary lived in Minnesota and Waterloo, Iowa, before settling in their forever home in Ida Grove, Iowa, in 1974. There, they raised their three children: Kevin, Kim, and Kyle. In December of that same year, Wayne began his career with GOMACO, launching what would become a remarkable 43 plus year legacy.

Starting as a draftsman in the Engineering Department, Wayne was promoted to Engineering Supervisor in 1977. In 1988 he transitioned to Purchasing, eventually serving as Purchasing Director. He retired in December 2017.

Wayne cherished spending time with his beloved wife, Mary. They enjoyed golfing together and the occasional trip to the casino. After Mary’s passing in April 2015, Wayne found joy in visiting Kim and Kevin for extended stays and spending time with Kyle who often stopped by the house. A devoted grandfather, Wayne’s pride and joy were his six grandchildren: Erica, Tyler, Austin, Dylan, Palmer, and Sunny.

Around town, he was affectionately known as “Pops.” Whether at the local bowling alley treating kids to a candy bar or offering his warm smile and a big hug, Wayne had a way of making everyone feel like family. He was a genuine, jovial soul, quick with a joke, generous with his time, and always up for good company. Wayne made you laugh louder, smile wider, and feel better just by being around.

On July 14, 2025, the world lost one of the best! His memory and kindness will live on in the legacy that he left behind.

Survivors include his children: Kevin Hansen of Omaha, NE; Kim (Jeremy) Schultz of Bloomington, MN; and Kyle (Bonita) Hansen of Ida Grove, IA; his beloved grandchildren: Erica, Tyler, Austin, Dylan, Palmer, and Sunny; sisters Linda and Marla of Milwaukee, WI; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and a host of dear friends.

He is reunited in heaven with his parents, Sherwood and Helen; his loving wife, Mary; brothers Jerry and Jimmy; and sisters Judy and Janet.