Beresford
92
Nov. 30, 2025
Leon E. Hansen was born July 25, 1933 in Beresford, South Dakota, to Clarence and Louise (Braastad) Hansen. He died November 30, 2025 in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 92 years.
Leon was raised in the Beresford area and graduated from high school in 1951. He was married November 16, 1951 to Ruth Erickson. Together they raised their family on their farm southwest of town.
He enjoyed watching Westerns, listening to old-time country music, and keeping up with the news. He found great satisfaction tinkering in the shed and fixing anything that needed mending, and he took pride in keeping his farm and acreage well-tended. He cared for animals throughout his life—raising livestock when he was younger and, later on, feeding and looking after the stray cats that found their way to his shed. He didn’t let age interrupt his care of the farm, putting many miles on his golf cart to help keep everything in order as he got older.
His parents, brother, Elroy; sisters, Clarice, Janet, Doris Mae and LaDonna; and grandson, Tracy Wetrosky preceded him in death.
Leon is survived by his wife of 74 years, Ruth Hansen; son, Gary (Kathy) of Eagan, MN; daughter, Marian (Ken) Stout of Beresford; six grandchildren, Tim Hansen, Andrea (Dan) Murphy, Kelly (Ryan) Darwitz, Lisa (Craig) Ringling, Geoff (Hal Brewster) Wetrosky and Lynsey (Eric) Andal; eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 2PM Friday, December 5, 2025 at Wass Funeral Home, 301 N 3rd Street, Beresford, SD. Visitation will be from 12-2PM at the funeral home. www.wassfuneralhome.com