Gregor Hanssen

GREGOR HANSSEN

Gregor Edwin Hanssen went home to be with Jesus January 6, 2013. He was born on September 20, 1918, the fifth child to Seede and Anna (Herman) Hanssen, on the farm where he lived his entire life. He was baptized and confirmed into Christian faith at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Niagara, ND. He was an active member of the church serving as Congregational Chairman for around 40 years.
Gregor was drafted into the Army in 1942 as part of the 90th Division “Tough Ombres”. He had many stories to tell of World War II and was proud to have been able to have a cigarette with General Patton. He was honorably discharged in 1945. He came home to marry his childhood sweetheart, Loretta Behm on September 11, 1946. The two celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary last fall. Together they had two children, Dale and Diane.
Gregor was the second generation to farm his families’ land and extended his love of the land to his son Dale, and more recently his grandson Jamie, who took over the farm when Dale passed. Gregor was also an avid hunter and shot his 63rd deer at the age of 90! He shared his love of hunting with his son and grandson.
He leaves his family a legacy of faith and love. He lived his life as an example to all, never asking God to heal his legs, rather praying “Thy Grace is sufficient for me.” He was patient and silly. Known for his tolerance to let his grandchildren race him to his recliner after dinner and allowing them to put make-up on him and curlers in his hair while he napped. We will miss his smile and quick wit, but know he has no pain and has been reunited with his son in heaven!
Gregor will be dearly missed by his bride of 66 years: Loretta; Daughter: Diane and Jeff Falin of Rapid City, SD; and daughter-in-law: Kathy of Niagara. Grandchildren: Charity and Birkley Baker of Elmwood, NE; Melissa and Tim Sutton of Alamo, ND; Angel and David Steffan of Michigan, ND; Amber and Sean Rauschendorfer of Grand Forks, ND; and his Number One Grandson: Jamie of Niagara. Nine Great-Grandchildren: Adriana, Tristen, Constence, Wyatt and Lydia Baker, Ansir Sutton, Brayden, Kaylee and Kenzie Rauschendorfer. He is also survived by a sister: Gertie Krueger of Larimore; a sister-in-law: Ruth Hanssen also of Larimore and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son Dale; his brothers: Carl, Harme, Walter, Gerhart, and Herb; and sisters: Viola and Lenora.

FUNERAL SERVICES: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 10, 2013 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Niagara, ND.

VISITATION: Wednesday, January 9 from 5-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service held in the Bakke Funeral Home of Larimore. Visitation will also be for one hour prior to the funeral in the church on Thursday.

INTERMENT: St. Andrew Lutheran Cemetery, Niagara.

MILITARY HONORS: John Larson Post No. 247 of the Petersburg, ND, American Legion.