Service Information
Alice E. Hansen, age 99, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be Thursday, November 6, 2025, 11:00 A.M., at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, with private family interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial Service will be livestreamed via https://www.facebook.com/FaithLutheranHutchinson
Obituary
Alice Elizabeth Hansen was born on September 6, 1926, in Arthyde, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Albert and Cora (Munger) Townsend. When Alice was 3 years old, her family moved to a farm near Graceville, Minnesota. Alice graduated from Graceville High School in 1944.
On September 20, 1950, Alice was united in marriage to Kenneth Hansen at the Congregational Church in Graceville. This marriage was blessed with four children; Sheila, Duane, Peggy and Walter. Alice and Kenneth resided and farmed in Ortonville, Minnesota, until moving to Hutchinson, Minnesota, in 1963. They shared 58 years of marriage until Kenneth passed away on November 1, 2008.
After moving to Hutchinson, Alice starting working at the Woolworth’s Dept. store managing the candy department. She was employed for 20 years, the store closed and she retired. Alice enjoyed her job and made many lifelong friends. She was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church, serving with the FLC Women’s group, and also devoted to knitting numerous prayer shawls. Alice was always deeply moved after unexpectedly receiving a thoughtful thank you from someone who had received one of her shawls.
Alice enjoyed reading, quilting, sewing, crocheting, and had a natural talent for knitting. She enjoyed being able to share her many creations with family and friends. You could always find her cheering on the Timberwolves, Lynx and Twins and giving her commentary of the game afterwards.
Alice had unwavering strength and persistent determination to keep moving forward every day. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and was the center of family get-togethers, celebrations, and holidays. Alice had a cherished presence that will be deeply missed.
Alice passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 99 years.
Blessed be her memory.
Alice is survived by her:
Children, Sheila Griebie and her husband, Joe of Brownton, MN,
Duane Hansen and his wife, Marilyn of Lake City, MN,
Peggy Bollin of Lake City, MN;
Walter and his wife, Cindy of Dassel, MN;
Grandchildren, Ashley (Marc) Docken, Allison (Mason) Wibstad, Adam (Erin) Griebie, Jim (Tera) Hansen, Bob Hansen, Steve Bollin, Shane (Anne) Bollin, Mike (Lisa) Hansen;
11 Great-grandchildren;
Sister, Carolyn Pansch;
Brother-in-law, Doran Nagel;
Many nieces and nephews.
Alice is preceded in death by her Parents, Albert and Cora Townsend; Husband, Kenneth Hansen; Grandson, Kevin Hansen; Granddaughter, in infancy; Siblings, David Townsend, Jim Townsend, Ole Townsend, Mary Townsend, Stella Cardoz, Edith Kittelson, Olive Weeks, Gladys Howen, Ruth Nagel; Sister-in-law, Marlys and husband, Gayland Chase; Brother-in-law, Harlan and wife, Marcella Hansen.
Roberta Weeks Beagle says
I remember visiting Aunt Alice at her farm in Minnesota many years ago when I was just a small child from Fayetteville, NY. It was a long trip for the Weeks cousins, but it was so worth it! Aunt Alice was always there for me—ready to give me big smiles, warm hugs and amazing food. I am so very grateful for those happy memories.
Aunt Alice never asked anything at all from me except that I enjoy the farm, play with my cousins and have lots of fun. And I did have so much fun—some of the very best times of my childhood!!
I will forever treasure the memories of those wonderful summer days spent with Aunt Alice and her family. She was always thoughtful and kind to me. I loved her dearly.
Most of all, I hope to see my Sweet Aunt Alice again and enjoy another one of her great big hugs in heaven!
Gary Townsend says
I remember being the Ring Bearer for thier wedding 75 years ago and she was one great Aunt to all of us kids God blessed you, and someday I hope to see you again
Nick & Carolyn Ryan says
We’ve known Grandma Alice for around nine years. I think we met at Erin and Adam’s wedding in Jackson, Wyoming in July, 2016, but it may have been before that, I’m not sure. We’re Erin’s parents, Nick and Carolyn Ryan, and we drive over from Jackson to visit Erin and Adam at least once a year, sometimes twice. We always took the time to visit with Grandma Alice when we were there, and she also would come to Erin and Adam’s house as well to visit us. We would have tea or lunch or even Thanksgiving dinner at Adam and Erin‘s house. Adam’s family has always welcomed us into their home and Grandma Alice was just like our grandmother. She was wonderful. She’s always knitted things for us over the years, and I can’t tell you how much we loved her. I remember at Erin’s wedding in Jackson, everybody was staying up late, having such a good time. We thought because we were from New Orleans (that’s where we’re originally from, 39 years ago) and our side of the family all came up from there, that we would all be partying and staying up late. But none of us could stay up later than Grandma Alice! She was up later than all of us, helping put away chairs and tidying up from the party! She was a true Minnesotan woman! We just loved talking to her and getting to know her. She was so interesting. She was like a walking history book! It will be so different going to Minnesota this Thanksgiving. We’ll be bringing her flowers, but it will be to her resting place instead of to her.
Suzi (Stritesky) Swarthout says
Sheila, know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Geri Johnson says
Alice was one of my favorite ladies at Faith Lutheran. She was so very kind and thoughtful. She knitted many prayer shawls over the years for our Prayer Shawl Ministry. Our deepest sympathies to Alice’s family.
Ralph & Geri Johnson
Lea Ette Peters says
No matter what her age is, it’s always hard to lose your mother. Kind and loving memories will live on in your hearts forever. May God give you peace and strength to face each new day. John & James send their condolences as well. In friendship, Lea Ette
Cindy Mons says
Alice was my best friend’s Mom. I have known her forever. She was always a joy to visit with. Her positive outlook was always so uplifting and would leave a smile on my face from the day I met her until the day she passed. She will missed.
John & Cindy Mons
Eileen & Ken Kuttner says
Our deepest sympathy to all of Alice’s family. She had a long wonderful life, cherish all your memories of her.
Bridget Peller says
I never met Alice, but enjoyed some telephone calls over the years since her friend and mine, Mary Newman, died. Alice was an excellent caregiver and friend to Mary.
Peace to all of you…
Jill Myllykangas says
Alice was a wonderful lady!! I enjoyed going over and visiting with her. She was usually knitting something for someone. Loved to hear stories of her younger years. I miss not visiting her!!