Basil Hansen Sr., age 93, of Loretta, WI passed away on August 18, 2020 at Marshfield Hospital in Marshfield, WI.

 Basil Warren Hansen was born in Loretta, WI on February 15, 1927 during a snowstorm in an old log house on North Clover Road on the family farm, delivered by his father.  He was the third son of John S. and Josephine (Healy) Hansen.  Basil attended school in Draper and worked the family farm his entire life.  He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and was assigned to the 11th Arm. Cav. serving in Colorado and Germany from1953 to 1955. This was his only time away from his beloved farm.  Basil was a member of the Jensen-Hansen Post #394 of the American Legion. The post is named in part for his older brother who gave the ultimate sacrifice in WWII.

On December 26, 1956, Basil married Marlene Kunsch of Glidden at Most Precious Blood Parish in Glidden. During their 63 years together, they worked the family farm and raised 5 children.  He raised black angus cattle on his farm and served many years on the Northern Wisconsin Beef Producers Board.   While working the farm he also worked full time for the National Forest Service from 1962 to1989 where he did many different jobs finishing as a recreation supervisor in the Chequamegon National Forest campgrounds. For many years Basil was an avid bowler but in his mid-50’s, inspired by his son, he sought a new challenge and took up cross country skiing as a hobby.  Learning both the traditional and then skate skiing methods, he participated in the American Birkebeiner for over 20 years inspiring his brother-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren and friends to participate in the Birkie as well.   Basil was a proud husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was always there for people in need and widely known for his tremendous work ethic. 

Basil is survived by his wife, Marlene; one brother Bruce (Joanne) Hansen of Tampa, FL; two sons Basil (Christine) of Waupaca, Shawn of Eau Caire; two daughters: Marklin (Greg) Mandt of Alexandria, VA, Veda (Thomas) Nordgren of Pulaski; seven grandsons Kehl (Mariah) Mandt of Bakersfield, CA, Taydon Mandt of Alexandria, VA, Conler Mandt of Brooklyn, NY, Orran Mandt of Alexandria, VA, Evan (Ellen) Nordgren of DeForest, Colin (Frannie) Nordgren of Mt Prospect, IL, Warren Nordgren of Racine, WI; three granddaughters Taryss Mandt of Falls Church, VA, Abigail and Allison Hansen of Waupaca;  one great grandson Milo Nordgren of Deforest. 

Basil is preceded in death by his parents John and Josephine; brothers Johnny and Terry; sister Zeota; son Kevin, and daughter Larynne. 

A graveside service will be held at noon Monday, August 24, 2020 at the Winter Cemetery. Pastor Tonee Martin will officiate with Military Honors accorded by Loretta Jensen-Hansen American Legion Post #394. Family will gather at the cemetery prior to the service at 11:30 AM.

Last Update: Aug 21, 2020 5:52 am CDT