- Date Of Birth: November 20, 1930
- Date Of Death: September 8, 2017
- State: Nebraska
Wayne M. Hansen, 86, died September 8, 2017. Wayne was born November 20, 1930 to Ted and Maude Hansen in rural Webster County. He was educated at Rural School District 62 near Red Cloud, Nebraska. During his youth, Wayne became active in 4-H and began raising turkeys. It was during this time he earned his nickname Turk. He attended high school at Red Cloud where he was active in F.F.A. He graduated as salutatorian in 1948. To pursue his love of farming Wayne attended college at the University of Nebraska. He was a fraternity member of Alpha Gamma Rho while he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in agriculture in 1952. It was while he was at UNL he met Velma Stehlik.
Wayne served in the army from 1952-1954. Most of his duty was in Germany where he conducted various meteorology tests. He and his army buddies spent many weekends traveling through Europe. Following his time in service, Wayne returned to UNL and served as a graduate assistant.
Wayne and Velma were married July 25, 1954 and resided in Lincoln where Wayne was a graduate assistant in the agronomy college at UNL. Soon the couple moved to Dorchester where Wayne began his farming operation and raised cattle. Wayne and Velma raised four children. The young couple was named as the Grange Farm Family of the Year in 1958. Wayne truly loved farming but always made time for travel. At the end of each summer a family vacation was taken. He and Velma also enjoyed countless trips in their retirement. Highlights of their travels were an Alaskan cruise and a trip to Europe.
Christian faith was important to Wayne so he was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Dorchester where he served on many levels. Wayne was also active in his community serving with many organizations: Grange, Farm Bureau (local, county and state levels), Exeter Feeders and Breeders, and the American Legion. His love of education continued throughout his life. He pursued additional education by taking classes at Milford Tech. Wayne also served on the Dorchester School Board for 12 years. He was on the board of directors for Production Credit Association and for Southeast Community College at Beatrice. Wayne was a member and served as president for the Upper Big Blue NRD. Hansen also served on the Saline County Zoning board. Wayne was bestowed the honor of being Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska; Nebraska’s highest honorary title by approval of former Governor James Exon.
Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Velma, three daughters Amy of Dorchester, Brenda (Jeff) Raymond of Seward and Marla (Mike) Weber of Friend and son Matt (Donna) Hansen of Dorchester, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, sister Mae Koch of Spencer, Iowa, brother Phil (Marlene) Hansen of Red Cloud and sister Phyllis (Rocky) Vasquez of Seward, nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Elton and brother-in-law Richard Koch.
Special thanks go to the devoted, caring staff at Tabitha in Crete.
