Paul Hansen

Paul Leo Hansen was born May 31, 1934, in Big River, Saskatchewan, Canada to Mabel Hanson. In 1954, he enlisted in the United State Marine Corp and served as a field radio operator in Japan. While on leave he married his best friend and love of his life, Joyce Marie Benson. To this union five children were born: Scott, Joy, Michele, Holly, and Jon. After his discharge from the Marines, Paul and his growing family settled in Spring Lake Park, MN.

Paul began his career in dry cleaning while in high school in Battle Lake working for Bill Dealer. After the military, he continued in dry cleaning working for various dry-cleaning companies until he finally purchased his first dry cleaning store in Hopkins, MN in 1967. Paul opened several other locations buying and selling stores in the twin cities and Rochester area. He bought American Cleaners in 1978 and moved his family to Alexandria in 1979. American Cleaners was operated by Paul until he retired, selling the business to his son, Nathan in 2002.

In retirement, Paul continued to stay involved in various businesses ventures, as well as spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved the water, boating, cards and throwing dice. He was an avid Vikings fan with season tickets, only giving up his tickets when his health began to decline.

Paul sailed away to be with his Lord on March 16, 2019, in Alexandria, MN with his loving family by his side at the age of 84.  Paul is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Joyce; children, Joy Hansen, Minnetonka, MN, Michele (Bill) Tighe, Minnetonka, MN, Jon Hansen, Alexandria, MN, Nathan (Angie) Hansen, Alexandria, MN;  Grandchildren, Paige Tighe, St Paul, MN, Megan (Christian) Menger, Katy, TX, Paul Hansen, Lake Tahoe, CA, Grace Hansen, Ashville, NC; Great-Grandchildren, Hanah, Hadlee, and Holden Hansen, Hannah and Noah Bakken, and Oliver, Patrick, and Thomas Menger.

Preceded in death and together once again in heaven are his mother, Mabel; daughter, Holly; son, Scott; sisters, Marie Anderson, Caroline Fiddler, and Sophia Lampley.

Paul will always be remembered for his strong faith, love for his family and friends, his love of  horses, sailing, and adventures far too numerous to mention.

A Funeral Service will be held 1:00 PM on Friday, March 22, 2019, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria.  Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM with a Time Of Sharing at 7 PM on Thursday, March 21, 2019, at the Anderson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.