Funeral services were conducted at two o’clock on Thursday, August 27, 1964 for Albert Lenard Hansen, 55, of rural Black River Falls. The Rev. Robert Salveson officiated at the service held at the Little Norway Lutheran Church. The Rev. Rusten, who came with his wife from Minneapolis, also spoke. Dr. Richard Holder was the vocalist and he was accompanied by Lois Hoagenson. His vocal selections were “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” and “I Know of a Sleep in Jesus’ Name”. The pallbearers were Price Peterson, Elmer Thompson, Hubert Hoagenson, George Mayer, Leonard Petterson and Harvey Gilbertson. The honorary pallbearers were Art Schutz, Palmer Nelson, Vilas Young, Sam Siefeldt, Donald Ghent, Russell Kramer, Harold Schiller, Allen Grinde and Adolph Kostohryz. The Torgerson Funeral Service had charge of the arrangements. Interment was made in the church cemetery.
Persons who came from away to attend the funeral included Mr. and Mrs. Godtfred Swanson, Sherburn, Minn; Mr. and Mrs. James Swanson, Mountain Lake, Minn; Mr. and Mrs. Helmer Hagel, Minneapolis; Mr. and Mrs. Vilas Emberson, of Greenwood; the Rev. an Mrs. A.M. Rusten, Minneapolis; Mrs. Joe Bedna, La Crosse; Mrs. Carl Iverson, Dakota, Minn; Mr Art Schultz, Arcadia; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kampa, Arcadia; and Calmer Overlien, Elmwood.
Albert Lenard Hansen was born August 31, 1908, at Fairmont, Minn., to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hansen. His mother’s maiden name was Marie Ellingson. His childhood was spent at St. James, Minn., where he was baptized into the Lutheran faith, confirmed in 1921, and later he became a member of the Little Norway congregation. He had served his church as a council member and as Vice President of the Church.
A graduate of Stout Institute at Menomonie prior to moving to the Black River Falls area in 1942 he had taught manual training at Brainerd and at International Falls, Minn.
In addition he engaged in the building trade at St. James, and farmed. He taught for five years at Brainerd, and four at International Falls. He had farmed for the past 22 years in the Irving community.
He had served for many years as a member of the school board in Irving and was the President of the Melrose Creamery for 19 years. In addition he was active in other farm organizations.
From his high school life he had taken part in many musical organizations and his bass solos contributed to many events wherever he lived throughout the years.
He was united in marriage with Irma Gilbertson, at the Little Norway Church, August 31, 1936.
In addition to being survived by his wife he is also survived by three sons, Richard, Robert and David, each at home; one brother, Harald, of Irving and two sisters, Mrs. Gotfred Swanson of Sherburn, Minn., and Mrs. Helmer Hagel, of Minneapolis.
His death occurred at 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 1964, in MIlwaulee, and was due to a heart attack. Although he had been in failing health his death came as a great shock to his family and their many friends.
Al Hansen loved life, and since his health began to fail he had often expressed much gratefulness for every added day he was given, and he tried to get the most out of every day. Memory of him will always be cherished by all who knew him.