LaVonne Hansen

Hansen, LaVonne
LaVonne Hansen was born in Springfield SD on October 2, 1926, and she earned her angel wings on November 27th, 2011. She spent her youth traveling and attended 22 different schools. In 1944, LaVonne enrolled at Syracuse University & earned her Bachelors Degree in Nursing in 1949. She returned to Rapid City, SD after college and began her career as a Registered nurse at Rapid City Medical Center. Needing a new pair of nursing shoes, she met a pleasant shoe salesman named Deane Hansen . They were married in 1951 and in 1952, their first of 5 sons was born. LaVonne was always the perennial Nurse. During the aftermath of the 1972 Rapid City flood, when there was no fresh water or electricity, she administered tetanus shots out of her motor home to everyone in the neighborhood. She was preceded in death by her husband Deane, who passed away November 1996.
LaVonne spent the last 2 years of her life in Chandler AZ, where she spent her time with her son Bill, his wife Kim, and their family. Survivors include Mike (Penni) Dallas TX, Bill (Kim) Chandler AZ, Greg (Pam) Rapid City SD, Bob, Durango CO, and Rich (Nancy) of Dallas TX, 10 Grandchildren & 3 Great-Grandchildren. While we are sad at the loss of our mother & grandmother, our lives have been enriched by her teachings, compassion and can-do attitude. She lived by the motto "if you can't say something nice about somebody, don't say anything at all". She was an understated woman who loved deeply and never complained. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of the Valley, who provided so much comfort to her in her final days.