A celebration of life for Greg Jay Hansen, age 77, of Butte, Nebraska, was held at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Butte Community Center in Butte. Pastor Leif Hasskarl officiated. Sierra Fleer and Catilina Knox did the readings. Clay Hansen, Ian Hansen, Garrison Hansen, Colby Hansen, Derris Hansen, River Hansen, and Callum Hansen were urn bearers. Interment will be held at a later date at Butte Cemetery, in Butte. Greg Jay Hansen was born on April 12, 1949, in Lynch, Nebraska, to James Sieler Hansen and Iola Belle Statsman. Greg grew up in Butte and attended Butte Public School. On November 9, 1968, he married Kathy V. Fernau, and to this union came three boys — Bob, Tim, and Scott. Greg attended Chadron State college before returning to Butte to start his career.
Greg worked many jobs, from building power line towers to delivering rainbow bread before he started working for Northern Propane in Butte. This lead to 47 years of delivering propane and repairing gas appliances and managing the office for several different companies, ending with SAPP Brothers. Greg was very active in the community and sat on many different boards over his years. He tried retirement, but after a couple months his need to stay busy and visit with customers led to him going back to work at Butte Farm Supply. Greg enjoyed his time there — always something to do and someone to talk to.
One of his true enjoyments in life was his family. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and often mentioned how his grandchildren were the greatest gift he ever got.
Greg loved to golf and fish and enjoyed going fishing in Canada, but was always up for anything if it meant being able to spend time with his family. Greg enjoyed visiting with people. It didn’t matter who it was, he always had a kind word and a laugh. He always tried to make your day better if he could.
He was a devoted husband to his wife Kathy, who cared for him at home until the last two weeks, when he was moved to the Gregory nursing home. He considered it a blessing, as he was able to spend quality time with family and friends. His last day was spent with Kathy, and they were able to have a good day together. He passed away May 31, 2026.
He is survived by his loving wife Kathy; sister Sandy Lewis; brother Jeff (Jenny) Hansen; sons Bob (Jeanne) Hansen, Tim (Jamie) Hansen, and Scott (Crystal) Hansen; grandchildren Sierra (Raymond) Fleer, Clay (Rebecca) Hansen. Ian (Presley) Hansen, Garrison Hansen, Colby (Kaitlyn) Hansen, Catalina (Thomas) Knox, Chondi Zotti, Derris Hansen, River Hansen, and Callum Hansen; and great-grandchildren, Kristopher Zotti, Russell Fleer, and Ireland Hansen.
Greg was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Iola Hansen and his mother- and father-in-law William Fernau and Moni (Leo) Lechtenberg.
