James R. Hansen

James R. Hansen, 81 of Mason City, IA died Thursday July 30, 2015, at Muse Norris Hospice Impatient Unit. Per Jim’s wishes, his body was cremated. Private family inurnment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made out to Hospice of North Iowa.

James Hansen was born November 20, 1933 in rural Mason City, the son of Alfred and Margaret (Knowlton) Hansen. He graduated from a rural Bath Township school, then attended Rockwell High School. In 1953, James enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country as a member of a tank crew in Korea until his honorable discharge in 1955. Upon his return, he continued his lifetime farming career. He enjoyed farming with his dad, sons, grandchildren, and his red tractors. On April 8, 1956, he married Darlene Kowny in Mason City. Together they raised two sons, and two daughters. In the 60’s he also worked at Wayne Feeds and the Sugar Beet Plant to help his family.

James is survived by his wife of 59 years, Darlene, sons, Terry Hansen and his wife Rita, Martin Hansen and his wife Gail, daughters, Barbara Coltrain and her husband Gary, and Connie Wendorf, 23 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren. James is also survived by his sister, Shirley Weinberger and her husband John, along with several cousins, nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Gage Coltrain, two sisters and their husbands, Phyllis (John) Peterson and Marilyn (Vance) Everett.