Jerald "Jerry" Hansen

Jerald Denzel Hansen, 79, of Ammon, passed away peacefully in his home on November 7, 2016. He was born in Idaho Falls, on November 5, 1937, to Denzel Lawrence Hansen and Verla Fay Wheeler Hansen. He was the oldest of four children. Jerry grew up on a farm in Ammon, Idaho, learning the value of hard work and serving others. His love of people was evidenced in many ways. Jerry was close with his family, neighbors, and his schoolmates. As a child, he was an active participant in both 4H and FFA. Jerry graduated from Bonneville High School, and then from Utah State University with a Business Management degree.

On September 21, 1960, he married Donna Sellers in the Los Angeles, California, LDS Temple. They were blessed with five children, Karla, Todd, Tim, Kris, and Kaylynn. Jerry and Donna made their home in Ammon, Idaho, where Jerry worked as an insurance adjuster.

Jerry loved scouting and was active both as a Boy Scout and as a lifetime Scouter. Throughout his Scouting years he earned multiple awards, such as the Silver Beaver. He held many positions, including scoutmaster and District Chairman. He received the Eagle Mentor Pin more than once from adoring scouts. Jerry also loved gardening.

Jerry was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a firm testimony of the gospel. He served in a variety of positions including counsellor in the bishopric, primary teacher, scoutmaster, 11-year-old scout leader, Stake Young Men's presidency, and Elder's Quorum President. He served with his wife in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple for many years. From 2008 to 2009, they served as missionaries in the Kentucky, Louisville Mission, living in Jasper, Indiana.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Donna Hansen, his children Karla (Rand) Briggs, Todd (Sandy) Hansen, Tim (Camille) Hansen, Kris (Derek) Sandall, and Kaylynn Hansen; Grandchildren, Matthew (Sarah), Rachel (Jake), Amy, Scott, Stephanie, and Jennifer Briggs; Steve Hansen; Sadie, Jess, and Reggie Hansen; Kamden, Kyle, Zane, Kaylynn, and Nekoda Sandall; and Kai Hansen; great-grandchildren, Ester, Tanner, Sanford Briggs and Samuel and Sariah Evans; sisters, Renee (Mel) Farnsworth, Arlene Harker, and Janice (Bill) Haynie. He is preceded in death by his parents, Denzel and Verla Hansen, brother-in-law, James Ray Harker, and sister-in-law Colleen (Sellers) Whiting.

Family and friends were most important to Jerry. Visits with grandchildren would always infuse Jerry with joy. He loved as much as he was loved. Jerry will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 12, 2016, at the Ammon LDS 1st Ward, 3000 Central Avenue, with Bishop Alan Johnson officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held