Steve Hansen

Steve Hansen

DURANGO, CO - A tribute to my brother: Steve made our whole family laugh all the time. There's a photo of my dad receiving birthday gifts in 1982. He's holding a ceramic craft I made for him. He's laughing so hard he looks as if he's in pain. Steve did that. He is the one who put our dad in such a joyous and riotous state. A one-liner, like always, and we all fell to pieces. Many people beyond our family knew his quick wit. Mom has shared with many friends the countless hilarious expressions Steve coined from an early age.

Steve was born in Forest City, Iowa. He attended college at UC-Santa Barbara before graduating from the University of Northern Iowa, where he met his wife, Melanie. Not long after graduating, Steve and Melanie moved to Houston, Minnesota. Owning property in the sublime Driftless Area turned Steve into a nature lover and environmentalist, a talented landscaper, and one-time boat-builder. After divorcing, Steve moved to Golden, Colorado where he turned to writing full time, focusing on sustainability.

Steve had found his home in the West. He spent time in Oregon before settling in Durango, Colorado for the last few years of his life. Learning the values of our parents, Steve was a member of the world's greatest tribe-that of dog lovers.

Over the years, his dog family included Heidi, Brandy, Muffin, Kizzie, Abbie, Tasha, Penny, and Sadie. One of his favorite activities was a daily hike outside of Durango with Sadie.

Steve is preceded in death by his sister Linda Hansen, two generous souls-his father Ron Hansen and his stepfather Jon Closson, and his lovely stepmother Margaret Hansen, along with his dogs Tasha and Penny.

He is survived by his mother Diane Closson, sister Kim Hale, brother Michael (Renee) Hansen; uncle Jim (Peg) Fetrow; aunt Sheila Hansen; Jon's children Dave Closson, Deanna Grosskopf, and Linda Land-Closson; Margaret's children Grant Piepergerdes, Amy Warren, and Anne Armitage; nephews Zack Tannahill and Carter Hale; and nieces Anna and Caroline Hansen. His chill little rez dog Sadie will find a new home with Kim and give comfort to his family. Meanwhile, somewhere in the universe, Tasha and Penny follow Steve on a hike while he shares a joke with Dad.

A celebration of life to honor Steve will be planned for 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate to your local humane society or animal shelter in Steve's memory.