Lester Hansen • 1919 - 2008

Lester Hansen, age 88, Springfield, OH, longtime mayor of Kenmare, ND, died Sunday, February 3, 2008, in a Springfield, OH, assisted living facility.

He was born May 29, 1919, in Kenmare, North Dakota, to the late Hans G. and Christina Hansen. He married Doris Ellen Johnson on October 25, 1942. She preceded him in death August 2, 1998, after fifty-five years of marriage. Lester was also preceded in death by his son, Gary, July 2, 1979.

Lester graduated from Kenmare High School in 1938. He was a member of Nazareth Lutheran Church and was very active in his community. He belonged to the Kenmare Chamber of Commerce and the Kenmare Lions Club. He was an avid golfer and a lifetime member of Kenmare Country Club. Lester was mayor of Kenmare for 18 years, working tirelessly with Doris for the betterment of their community. They owned and operated the historic Irvin Hotel in Kenmare for several years, welcoming visitors from across the land. Lester farmed in the Kenmare area and was involved in many business ventures throughout his lifetime. He had a huge heart and a philanthropic spirit. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Lester is survived by his daughter, Deann Lyons of Springfield, Ohio; and sister, Marge Martinsen, of Kenmare, ND. He has four grandchildren: Gregg (Angela Wilson) Hansen of Bozeman, Montana; Laura (Jim) Sterling of Richland, Washington; Dr. Scott (Michell) Wilke; and Chris (Kim) Wilke of Springfield, Ohio. Lester also has seven great grandchildren: Saber and Sage Sterling, Seth and Sage Wilke, and Aiden, Alivea and Lyric Wilke. He has two brother-in-laws, three sister-in-laws, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral: Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Kenmare.

Interment: Lakeview Cemetery, Kenmare, ND.

Visitation: Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Kenmare.

Officiant: Pastor Mike Fiske

Music: Kay Martinsen, Vocalist to offer, "Going Home"
The Johnson's will to offer "Amazing Grace"
Joan Larson, Organist
Congregational Hymns
"Great Is Thy Faithfulness" & "God Be With You"

Honorary Bearers: Glen Froseth, John Odland, Mac McLarnon, Jim Geiger, Gil Rauschenberger Oliver Lee, Ron Martinsen, Roger Anderson

Active Bearers: Larry Johnson, Gregg Hansen, Loren Johnson, Scott Wilke,Steve Burnside and Chris Wilke

To sign the online guest register for Lester
To view the online guest register for Lester

To view the inside of Lester's folder
To view the outside of Lester's folder

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