Russell Hansen

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. 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. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Russell Hansen, please visit our flower store.