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  • Memorial Service:  11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 19, 2010 at Greenville Community Church

Mr. Russell S. Hansen, age 87, of Greenville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 after a brief illness at East Pasco Hospital in Zephyrhills, Florida.

The son of Sephus & Elsie (Lavender) Hansen, he was born on June 20, 1922 in Greenville and was a third generation potato and grain farmer in the Montcalm Township area where he enjoyed long hours behind the wheel of a tractor.

He served as the township fire chief in the 1950’s and 60’s and was chairman of the original township committee that developed the first zoning ordinance. Russell was the longest continuous member of the Montcalm County Farm Bureau.

On April 3, 1942 in Greenville, he married Dorace Ringler and together they regularly attended Greenville Community Church. Like most Michiganders, Russell loved spending his winters in Florida where he looked forward to visits from his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and sharing grapefruit and oranges with friends and neighbors.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; and by his sister, Elaine, and her husband Kenneth Petersen.

He is survived by the love of his life, Dorace, his wife of nearly 68 years whom he picked a fresh flower for every morning; their three children, Rev. Thomas & Valorie Hansen, Robert & Marilyn Sowerby, all of Greenville and Glenn & Joyce Freeman of Zephyrhills, Florida; seven grandchildren; and thirteen great grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of love and hard work that will not soon be forgotten.

As Russell wished, cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at Greenville Community Church with the Rev. Joel Heron officiating.  

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Russells online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, click the “Sign Guest Book” link above.

For those wishing to mail condolences to Dorace, please direct cards and notes in care of the Christiansen Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, MI 48838-2329.


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1 Comment

  1. Anonymous on December 30, 2009 at 12:00 am

    Guestbook

    06/18/2010 –

    Nan McGrady Hall
    I would like to extend my deepest condolences. I have many great childhood family reunion memories that included Russel. He had a great smile and was always so kind and friendly to me.

    06/18/2010 –

    Leona Browne
    Dear Dorace and family,
    Just want to tell you that Dot and I are so sorry to not be able to see you tomorrow.
    Have been thinking a lot about you andI’m glad to have visited with you and Russell at Dick’s party last year. I have several good memories about growing up with Russell.
    I hope and expect that this service tomorrow will be a comfort to you. I”m sure you’ll see a lot of friends who are caring and that’s good.
    Will continue to think of you as you adjust to a new life. May God Bless you.
    Love, Leona

    06/15/2010 –

    Cyndi Raymond Smith
    Dorace, Tom, Val and all – I have fond memories of visiting the farm and of Russell taking me to see an old yellow-toothed horse in the barn. That along with family reunions and stories told by beloved great-aunts, great-uncles, Grandpa Glenn and my mom are a treasured part of my childhood. My love and prayers are with you… Cyndi Raymond Smith

    06/04/2010 –

    Alisa Brayton
    Tom, Val & family. Our deepest condolences on the loss of your father. May your wonderful memories bring you comfort.
    Tom & Alisa Brayton

    01/11/2010 –

    Rick & Judy Hillman
    Dorace, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy to all the family ..

    01/11/2010 –

    Ann Gietzen
    Dear Tom,Doris & Family.We are so sorry for your loss,Russel is going to be missed by so many people.Ann Gietzen,George Mason, Al mason

    01/08/2010 –

    Sue (Higgins) Robinett
    Dorace, Tom, Joyce,Marilyn and Families, I am so sorry to hear of Russell’s death. Just wanted you all to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care! Sue

    01/07/2010 –

    Becky Sowles
    In memory of all that he was and all that could have been. Praying for safe travel for Tom and Val, Marilyn and Bob and the rest of the family.

    01/06/2010 –

    marvin and Janice Neitzel
    Tom, Val, Doris, Joyce, Marilyn and rest of family: We are thinking about you at this time and our prayers go out to you.

    01/05/2010 –

    Marvin Christensen
    We are sorry to hear of Russell’s death. Our sympathies to all the family. Marv and Pat Christensen

    01/04/2010 –

    Greg and Connie Wright and Fannie Field
    Our prayer go out to the Hansen family.May God comfort you.

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