Donna May Hansen

Donna May Hansen, age 91, passed away peacefully at her residence, Sunday, February 11, 2024. She was born in Racine, June 15, 1932, daughter of the late Karl and Ida (Nee: Acklam) Hering.

She graduated from Park High School, “Class of 1951”. She proudly served on the reunion committee for every class-reunion, cochairing several with her friends, Inge VanderLeest and Jean Hawes.

On June 21, 1952 she was united in marriage to A.W. “Bud” Hansen at Atonement Lutheran Church where she remained an active member. Donna was a charter member of the Hannah Circle and participated for over 50 years. She considered every member a “sister”. Donna and Bud were members of Friends of the Lighthouse and the Racine Zoological Society.

Donna is survived by her three sons, Steven (Lisa) Hansen of Racine, Robert (Fran) Hansen of Kenosha, and William (Sally) Hansen of Greensboro, N.C.; ten grandchildren: Nick Zeleski, Dyenna (Ben) McConnell, Patrick Hansen, Jacqueline Hansen, Andrew Hansen (Katie Schneider), Laura Hansen (Jessie Lang), Michael Chambasian, Ashley (Hunter) Morris, William Hansen, and Daniel Hansen (Meghan Harris); four great grandchildren: Achaius, Liam, Hillie, and George; daughter-in-law, Carolyn (Jim) Chambasian; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bud; her son, Scott Hansen; her great grandson, Adonis Hansen; sisters, Gladys and Virginia; brother, Bob; and sister- and brother-in-law, Harriet and John Wells.

A Memorial Service celebrating Donna’s life will be held 11:00 am, Friday, April 12, 2024, at Living Faith Church, 2915 Wright Ave, with Rev. Justin Kierzek officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for visitation at 10:00 am until the time of service at the church. Private interment will be held at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Friends of the Lighthouse or to the Racine Zoological Society have been suggested by the family.

A very special thank you to Nancy King, Marilyn Thygeson, Cory Gonzalez and the 4H Breakfast Club (The Harts, Hobsons, and Horvaths) for their friendship and loving care.