Funeral services for Wayne E. Hansen, of Hollandale, will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, at St Paul Lutheran Church of Hollandale. The Rev. Jeffrey Kuddes will officiate. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Bonnerup Funeral Service Chapel, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Hollandale Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the Albert Lea Area Veterans’ Groups.

Mr. Hansen died Saturday, Sept. 3, 2005, at the Albert Lea Medical Center. He was 78 years of age.

Wayne was born Aug. 9, 1927 in Windom, Minn., the son of Emanuel and Pearle (Hartwick) Hansen. He moved to Albert Lea early in life and attended public school.

Wayne served his country in the Army Air Corps. On Feb. 23, 1946, he was united in marriage to Gretchen Schiager at the Shepard Field Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Wayne had been employed as a meat cutter and a Federal Meat Inspector. He was also an assistant mail carrier.

Wayne belonged to the St Paul Lutheran Church and the Albert Lea American Legion. He was an avid Minnesota Viking Football fan, and also enjoyed the Twins and Timberwolves. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren, giving out Tootsie Rolls to the area children and traveling around Hollandale on his scooter.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gretchen Hansen of Hollandale; and children: Terry and his wife Mary (Bothof) Hansen of Austin, Craig Hansen of Hollandale, and Scott and his wife Mary Jo (Krueger) Hansen of New Richmond, Wis.

Also surviving are grandchildren: Kim (Dave) Klingfus, Andria Hansen and Cole Hansen; great-grandchildren: Codi Percival, Ian Klingfus and Maggie Klingfus; and sisters-in-law: Shirley (Ray) Beck of Albert Lea, Beverly Rasmussen of Albert Lea, and Rosella Hansen of Hollandale. There are several nieces and nephews.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; brother; Kenneth Hansen; and sisters: Leona Engbritson and Elaine Nerness.

Wayne will be sadly missed by his loving family and many friends.