Michael Hansen

Michael Carsten Hansen was born on March 3, 1953 in Winner, South Dakota, to Richard Hansen and Colleen Turney Hansen. “Mike” as he was called, enjoyed South Dakota farm life in his earliest years, and that is where he developed his love of animals. Work soon took the family to Denver, Colorado, where he attended elementary school. When the family moved to McAllen, Texas, to be near his Hansen grandparents, Mike went on to graduate from PSJA High School, at Pharr, Texas. While in high school he was identified as gifted and had the opportunity, along with a few other students, to be transported to Pan American University to take extra classes. After graduation he attended Pan American University (now the University of Texas-Pan American) at Edinburg for one year and spent a second year at Texas A & I University (now Texas A&M University-Kingsville).

In his mid-twenties Mike developed a chronic illness that changed his life forever. Supported by his loving family he carried on for several years but ultimately moved into an assisted living setting that he would need for the rest of his life. His caregivers commented admiringly throughout the years about the fact that he never lost his wonderful sense of humor and strong faith in spite of his difficulties. Mike was an avid reader and was fascinated by history. His history books and his friendships with fellow residents enriched his life.

Michael Carsten Hansen passed away at the age of 73 on May 18, 2026 in Alcester, South Dakota at the Alcester Care and Rehab Center.

He is survived by his mother Colleen Turney Hansen Hanna of Burke, brothers Mark (Brenda) Hansen and Jeff (DJ) Hansen; step-brothers Kim (Pat) Hanna and Jett (Ann Denkler) Hanna; step-sister Sharon (Dana Jones) Hanna; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Michael was preceded in death by his father Richard Hansen, and his stepfather Tom Hanna.

His ancestors were early settlers in Gregory County where his grandparents Dale and Ruby Hansen and Dello and Marie Turney lived for many years.

Mike had expressed his wish to be buried simply with no funeral, so honoring his wishes a private family service was held where Mike was buried next to his Turney grandparents and great-grandparents at the Lucas Cemetery north of Burke, South Dakota.

Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.