Donald Hansen

Donald Hansen passed away on May 8, 2014 in his home at the age 95. He was born October 27, 1918 in Logan, Utah to Charlotte “Lottie” and James Wallace Hansen. He spent his school years growing up in Logan. He attended and graduated from Logan High where he was involved in sports. He met and married Mary Traveller on February 21, 1940. Dad served in World War II from March 1945 to the end of the war leaving mother pregnant with Clair and Sheryl by her side. He enrolled in the Army and went to Texas for basic training, then was stationed in Anchorage Alaska. Mary and Don were blessed with six children; Sheryl, Clair, Mary Ann, Blaine, Gary, and Eugene.
He owned and operated North State Oil in Logan, UT. from 1955 to 1968. During that time he purchased some farm ground in Smithfield, Utah. Don learned the love of the land and agriculture. He decided farming was the way of life, so he sold the service station. Dad built Hansen Cow Palace Dairy with his family. They milked the cows, processed the milk, and sold it all in the same building. As time passed the dairy grew and more farm ground was purchased as it became available. Eventually the store closed and the milk was sent to Gossner’s for processing. Gossner’s honored him as being one of the first and longest producers of milk for their company.
Dad served faithfully and held many church callings for the LDS Church, such as; Scout master, Ward Clerk and Counselor in the Bishopric, and later as Bishop. He served for three terms on Smithfield City Council and was voted as outstanding citizen for Smithfield in 1984. Dad also served as President of the Logan Northern Canal Company, and President of the Logan River Water Users Assoc.
Dad had a special love for horses. He had a race horse name Doc Winn. They traveled the western states and competed in many horse races. Doc Winn was unbeatable and won many trophies.
Dad had a love for the mountains, especially Tony Grove Lake up Logan Canyon, where he traveled many trails on horseback. He enjoyed camping, watching the wild life, and colorful wild flowers. Dad believed there was nothing better than a good horseback ride with good company, to make lots of memories.
Mary passed away in Oct. 1988. Dad soon met Virginia Jensen from Preston, Id. They were married the following year. How grateful we are for her and the loving care she gave dad for 26 years. Virginia is a mother to all of us. Words cannot express the love we have for her.
Dad is survived by his wife, Virginia; daughter, Sheryl (Merlin) Humpherys; sons, Blaine (Laura) Hansen, Gary (Kathy) Hansen; son-in-law, Craig Poppleton; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as four step sons, a step daughter, many step grandchildren, and step great-grandchildren.
Dad was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; two sons, Clair and Eugene; a daughter, Mary Ann Poppleton; grandsons, Scott Humpherys and David Poppleton; his parents, Lottie and James Wallace; and siblings, Vesta Norton, Orland, Devere, Denzil, and Robert Hansen.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at the Smithfield North Stake Center, 155 W 400 North in Smithfield. There will be a viewing held from 6-8 pm, Monday, May 12 at the Nelson Funeral Home, 85 S Main St, Smithfield and at the Stake Center prior to services from 10:30-11:30 am on Tuesday. Interment will be at the Smithfield Cemetery. Condolences and thoughts may be expressed online at www.allenmortuaries.net .