Jean Hansen Obituary

Jean Hansen, age 72, of Ulen, MN, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Viking Manor Nursing Home in Ulen.

Jean Delores Brenna was born on March 15, 1953, to Norman and Delores (Trapp) Brenna in Minneapolis, MN. She grew up in Keene Township, was confirmed at Keene Lutheran Church, and graduated from Ulen-Hitterdal High School with the class of 1971.

On November 30, 1978, Jean married Harvey Hansen and together they raised their three children - Christopher, Jamie, and Kari - on a farm east of Ulen. Jean worked various jobs over the years including positions at Viking Manor, the Powers Hotel, the potato plant, and at the Ulen-Hitterdal school. Jean was forced into early retirement due to her battles with rheumatoid arthritis, which greatly impacted her everyday life, yet she faced those challenges with strength and determination.

In 2003, Jean and Harvey moved into Ulen. After Harvey's passing in 2014, Jean remained in their home until 2021, when she moved to Viking Manor Nursing Home. There, her warm personality made her the unofficial greeter, quickly forming many friendships and always knowing the latest news.

Throughout her life, Jean found joy in creating and giving. She lovingly crafted beautiful quilts that became treasured keepsakes for her family. She also enjoyed canning, baking, camping, and spending time outdoors. Most of all, she cherished visits with her children and grandchildren, who were the light of her life. In quieter moments, she enjoyed playing Candy Crush and solitaire, as well as compiling a detailed family history book.

Jean is survived by her children: Christopher (Chrissy) Brenna, Jamie Mars, and Kari (Robby) Burnside; 9 grandchildren: Jesse Robinson, Danielle Rodewald, McKenzie Haugen, Kaitlyn Brenna, Cole Brenna, Mika Burnside, Abigail Mars, Ira Burnside, and Presley Burnside; one great-grandchild, Bexlee Robinson; and sisters: Barbara Schenck and Randi Lloyd.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Delores Brenna; husband, Harvey Hansen; brother, Norman Brenna; and two nieces, Stacie Schenck and Roxann Madison.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with a visitation starting an hour before, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley. Burial will take place at Keene Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ulen.

Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley