Kathleen Hansen

KATHLEEN HANSEN Click here to view video of Kathleen's life IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Kathleen Hansen, Capt. USN RET., 66, of Idaho Falls, passed away April 25, 2008, at her home. She was born April 8, 1942, in Shelley, Idaho, to Cecil Hansen and Florence Rockwood Hansen. She grew up in the Idaho Falls area and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1960 where she was a member of A. L. Gifford's concert band. She then attended Idaho State University, graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish. After graduation, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended Officer's Training School receiving her Commission as an Ensign. During the Vietnam War she served a 2 year tour in Atsugi, Japan. She then had assignments in California, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Ohio. During this time she was steadily promoted becoming a Captain in 1986. She was then assigned to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense in Washington D.C. reporting to the Pentagon. Her last assignment was as Commanding Officer of the Naval Education and Training Support Center Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia. Her military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Joint Service Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation and National Defense Service Medal. She retired in 1991 and returned to Idaho Falls where she was able to enjoy spending time with her brother, Lynn. She loved fishing, bird watching and going to the horse races with her brother and nephews. For years she enjoyed getting together for lunch with family and friends. Each year she traveled to California and Oregon and spent time with her dear friends that she considered her second family. She was very talented in woodworking. She was an avid reader of mysteries. She enjoyed her early morning walks in the mall and her association with the other mall walkers. She enjoyed biking and walking at Community Park in the summers. She also enjoyed photography and growing orchids and African violets. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Lynn. Survivors include: Nephew: Jeffrey (JoAnn) Hansen, Nampa, ID Niece: Jennifer (Keith) Eickelman, Glenwood Springs, CO Nephew: Jody (Nancy) Hansen, Idaho Falls, ID Niece: Jacqueline (Rick Hill) Hansen, Tucson, AZ Sister-in-law: Sheryl Stoddard, Idaho Falls, ID aunts, uncles, cousins, grandnieces and nephews. She was very giving and touched many lives, she will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your chosen charity. Graveside Services will be held at 12:30 p.m, Saturday, May 3, 2008, at the Iona Cemetery, with military rites performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team and Idaho Honor Guard. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 Noon at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, in Idaho Falls. ------------------------------------ Condolences received online: Sharon Holland sholland94@msn.com I have many fond memories of my cousin Kathy and her Mom, Florence, who was very dear to my mother, Martha Carlson. When we visited Idaho Falls, Florence usually invited us over to dinner. Kathy was a few years older than me, so I was the lucky one who got her very nice hand-me-down clothes. She was also generous with her comic books, which my brothers and I would read on the trip home to Salt Lake. Kathy had a very warm and outgoing personality, and was really fun to hang out with. I remember a few trips into town with Kathy when I was a young teenager and she was old enough to drive! She was always one of the people I looked forward to seeing in Idaho Falls. Last summer I told her she needed to come to Salt Lake for a visit, and we could go fishing. I'm so sorry to find out that that's not going to happen. She will be greatly missed by her family. Gail Madsen-Clayton gailmadc@aol.com I remember Kathy as one of my older cousins, she always had a smile and kind words for us little kids. Sincerely, Gail Madsen-Clayton Julie Westergard Humpherys julieann@cableone.net I am Thelda's daughter. Thelda was Cecil's sister. I intended to come by and visit with the family at 11am this morning. I am very ill and can't make it. Please know that my heart is there, that I know it's hard to lose your aunt at such a young age. My thoughts and prayers are with you. If you'd like to get in touch with me, you may do so at this email address. I live in Idaho Falls. And I have good family records if you have an interest in them. With Sympathy, Julie Humpherys Gene Heaton gene_heaton@hotmail.com Kathy will be greatly missed. She was a treat to be associated with. Kathy and I spent a good deal of time together as children. We lost track of each other after she joined the Navy. I had an opportunity to visit her in Washington DC In the late 90's. She will always have a place in my heart and I will forever remember her smile and her laughter. Scott Smith, CDR, USNR (ret) slsusnr@aol.com I relieved Kathy as Commander of the Cincinnati, OH Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in June of 1982. She left me a smooth running, well-oiled unit. My wife, Renee, who was in the Army, was stationed there and knew Kathy very well. Kathy left the MEPS to go to Headquarters, Military Entrance Processing Command, so we kept in touch with her. Kathy was as fine a person as one could hope to meet on this earth. I'm glad she got to enjoy her retirement because she earned every minute of it. We just learned of her passing yesterday (13 June). I had sent her a letter, and her nephew got it and called Renee with the news. We are saddened by her loss, but we are also better for having known her.