Service Information
Marcella F. Hansen, age 83, of Hutchinson, formerly of Ortonville, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Hutchinson Health in Hutchinson.
Funeral Service will be Friday, September 26, 2025, 10:00 A.M., at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, a luncheon will immediately follow the service at the church. Interment to follow at 3:30 P.M., at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville, Minnesota, the public is welcome to join.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 P.M., at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Funeral Service will be livestreamed via https://www.youtube.com/user/faithlchutch
Obituary
Marcella Faye Hansen was born November 18, 1941, in Graceville, Minnesota, to parents Melvin and Dorothy Nordly. She was baptized and confirmed at Siloah Lutheran Church. Marcella graduated from Graceville High School and found employment in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for Bell Telephone and later for Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance.
On November 25, 1967, she was united in marriage to Harlan Hansen. They made their home on the Hansen Family Farm in Otrey Township, rural Ortonville, Minnesota, and were blessed with two children, Ronda and Jeff. They shared 44 years of marriage prior to the passing of Harlan on January 4, 2012. Thereafter, Marcella wintered in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and summered on the farm for a few years before permanently making Hutchinson her home.
Marcella had a very strong faith and she valued her church family. She was active as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, secretary of church board, pianist, choir, WELCA, women’s Bible study, and quilting. On the farm she was an arduous homemaker, who enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, canning, and baking family favorites. Later in life, she worked part-time at Ortonville Dietary Services. In Hutchinson, Marcella was involved at Faith Lutheran and especially appreciated the women’s bible study group.
Music was prominent in her life. She sang with the Lutheran Brotherhood Choir and fondly remembered touring with them around the country. Marcella loved singing hymns, listening to the radio, attending concerts and anything musical in her community.
Family was special to her and she loved the five grandchildren. She especially looked forward to birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings.
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Marcella passed away at Hutchinson Health at the age of 83 years.
Marcella is survived by her daughter, Ronda (Bruce) Eckhart, and daughters, Maggie and Erica of Hutchinson, MN; son Jeff (Jodi) Hansen, and family – Nate, Ellie, and Bree of Victoria, MN; Sister, Judith (Robert) Ophaug of St. Paul, MN; Brother, James (Jean) Nordly of Rochester, MN; Sister-in-law, Alice Hansen of Hutchinson, MN; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her beloved husband, Harlan; her parents, Melvin and Dorothy Nordly; brother, Clifford Nordly and wife JoAnn; brother-in-law, Kenneth Hansen; sister-in-law, Marlys Chase and husband, Gayland; and step mother-in-law, Ella Hansen.
Mollie Kidder says
Marcella was a nice lady who we looked forward to seeing everything the girls and I would come home to see dad (Larry Gram). We have so many wonderful memories of her visits with Maddie and after. She had the best smile and we are heart broken. Sending love to your family. Mollie, Ruby and Lily Kidder
Chris Rustad says
Marcella was our neighbor we remember her smile and when we seen her outside my kids and I would visit with her and pet her little dog
Last Halloween she gave my kids a small container of cupcakes. My kids thought that was very nice of her. Most recent I had seen her outside with a puppy and she stated it was her grand pup. Marcella will be missed. My family gives her family our deepest sympathy.
Don Nelson says
I grew up one mile from Marcella and Harlen. Grateful for such wonderful people in our lives!
Marlene Shouman says
I remember visits along with my parents to Harlen and Marcella on the family farm. She always offered the most simple but “best” sandwiches.
Their joy and smiling faces always made our church bus trips extra enjoyable.
May many wonderful memories help your family through this very tragic and unexpected tragedy.
Gail Cox says
Sad to hear of Marcella’s passing. I was blessed to be able to fix her hair, we had wonderful conversations and I do know her family was the the light of her life. Sending prayers to all of you.
Audrea Redfield Buller says
Marcella was a sweet lady. I always enjoyed visiting the farm growing up when grandpa and grandma chase would bring us over to see you guys. And as time went by I enjoyed seeing her at weddings and such and catching up.
Roxanna Boe says
I counted Marcella as a dear friend. When we had violin and piano recitals, which included Maggie and Erica, Marcella was always there to bake, help, and serve goodies in the Faith Center after our recitals. She enjoyed attending and sharing at our Friday morning Bible studies. In recent years we shared a table at our annual Christmas Tea. I will miss Marcella! My deepest sympathy to Ronda, Bruce, Maggie, Erica and the whole family!
Larry Pearson says
I remember spending many Christmas day’s at the farm in Graceville with Marcella and her family, it was a memory I have from growing up. Eventually after graduating I attended school in Mpls and would catch a ride home with her when she worked for Lutheran Brotherhood. We always stopped in Eden Valley for a bite to eat, she said it was where she liked to stop as she was finally out of the hustle bustle of the cities and back in the country again.
She will be missed by us all.
holly eckhart says
We will miss you at Christmas’s Marcella.