Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Kenneth Marvin Hansen was born April 25, 1936, in Dolliver, Iowa, to Walt and Viola Hansen. On Feb. 1, 2026, Ken peacefully left this earthly life and entered his eternal home in glory after facing congestive heart failure with determination and on his own terms.
He was very grateful to the compassionate staff of Bristol Hospice as they helped him navigate this phase of his life.
Ken graduated from Riceville High School in 1955 and went to work with Oliver Tractor Works in Charles City, Iowa. Shortly after, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Arlington, Virginia. In 1975, Ken moved his family from Iowa to Hood River, Oregon, following an earlier visit where he fell in love with the people and beauty of the valley. It quickly became the place he proudly called home. He first worked at Dee Lumber Mill and later as a drafting engineer with Sprint, where he retired in 2002. Ken also spent many years alongside his wife Helen helping care for generations of children through their in-home daycare. Many local families remember Ken as a steady presence in their lives and that of their children.
Ken found great purpose in assisting others and his community. One of his greatest honors was serving as caretaker for the Hood River Saddle Club for nearly three decades. His love of horses, the outdoors, and the land motivated him to lead the revitalization of Gibson Prairie Horse Trail. He was also proud to be involved with the Back Country Horsemen and Wasco County Sheriffs Mounted Posse. When not spending time on horseback or with friends in the valley, Ken loved his trips to Alaska to hunt, fish, and enjoy the untamed outdoors. His favorite trips were those of true grit when he would get dropped off by a water plane and get picked up again a week later.
Those who knew Ken best understood his straightforward nature and the generous, caring heart behind it. He believed deeply in doing what was right, helping where he could, and living out his faith in Christ. That faith sustained him throughout his life and especially in his final months.
Ken married Marlys Jensen on April 11, 1959, in McIntier, Iowa, and together they welcomed two daughters, Sarah Benson of Hood River and Amy Hansen of Zumbrota, Minnesota. In 1970, Ken married Helen Berk Pratt, blending their families with love and commitment. He welcomed Helen’s children — Rodney Pratt and Cindy Lindley of Hood River, Michael Pratt of Auburn, Washington, and Dana Pratt of Bonney Lake, Washington — as his own. Ken and Helen also had a daughter, Lisa Hansen Shaull, who resides in Vancouver, Washington. Ken’s family continued to grow through the years, and he was blessed with 24 grandchildren, 26x great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Harlan Hansen and his sister Gloria Russell. He is survived by his siblings Sue Keeling of Riceville, Iowa; Raymond Hansen of Oronoco, Minnesota; Patty Crouch of Hazelton, Iowa; Ann Meyers of Winthrop, Iowa; Jean Bakken of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; and Roger Hansen of Dolan Spring, Arizona; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Ken will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his dedication to raising a family, his willingness to serve his community, and his steadfast faith.
Helen and the family warmly invite friends and loved ones to join them for a celebration of Ken’s life on April 25 at Hood River Alliance Church. Services will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a reception as we gather to share memories and celebrate what would have been his 90th birthday.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.