Harry Thomas Hansen

Harry Thomas Hansen, age 85, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 4, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society – Comforcare in Austin. Harry was born on August 21, 1938, in Austin, Minnesota, to Harold A. and Francine H. (Steinberger) Hansen. He went on to graduate from Austin High School in 1957 before serving as a military police officer in the United States Army from 1958-1961. Harry met Carol Strouf while working at Lars Gas Station and the two were married on May 14, 1966, at First United Methodist Church in Austin.

Harry held several jobs until settling at Hormel Foods, where he worked for over 30 years. He retired in 2003. In his free time, Harry enjoyed hunting, fishing, and baking bread. He was known for his unique and personal rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Harry was also known for his delicious banana bread and won several awards for his bread baking skills at the Mower County Fair. Harry was a member of the Eagles, American Legion, and Moose Club in addition to volunteering for the Red Cross and First United Methodist Church. Harry was also a very proud grandfather to Alex and Amber. He especially cherished taking them on Grandpa trips and attending all of their athletic and music events.

Survivors include his daughter, Tamra Hansen of Austin; son, Scott (Elaine) Hansen of Austin; granddaughters, Alex (Nick) Schwartz of Rochester, MN, and Amber (James) Svenson of Houston, TX. He is also survived by his sister, Vanna Rae (Peter) Nielsen; cousin, Ed Kuether, who was like a brother to Harry; in-laws, Wayne (Fran) Strouf, and Bruce (Nedra) Strouf; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Hansen; grandmother, Evana “Granny” Steinberger, who raised Harry; parents, Harold and Francine Hansen; and father and mother-in-law, Alvin and Geraldine Strouf.