Kirk Lloyd Hansen

1948 - 2024

Kirk Lloyd Hansen, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, was welcomed into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father and Savior on February 3, 2024. He passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family after a valiant fight with leukemia.

Kirk was born on November 11, 1948, in Logan, Utah. He happily spent his early childhood in Paris, Idaho. His family moved to Soda Springs, Idaho, when he was 14. While the move was difficult for him, Kirk was immediately welcomed by numerous friends and maintained those close friendships throughout his life. He graduated from Soda Springs High School in 1967, lettering in football, basketball, and track and field. He also served as seminary council president his senior year.

He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 1967-1970 in the West Spanish American Mission. After returning home, he attended Utah State University studying secondary education.

He met Debera Lynn Evans at Utah State, and they were married August 4, 1972, in the Salt Lake Temple. Kirk did his student teaching at Soda Springs High School and was a quarter away from graduating when he moved back to Soda Springs at the request of his father to help manage the demands of the growing family business. Kirk went on to own, operate, and expand Hansen Oil Company across multiple states until his retirement in 2015.

Kirk and Debi were blessed with seven children, who were the light of their lives. They spent countless hours attending their kids' sporting events, dance recitals, and musical performances. Favorite family activities were boating at Bear Lake and Alexander Reservoir, attending Utah State athletic events, and family trips to Lake Mead, Lake Powell, and Disneyland. Debi passed away in August 2006 after her own courageous fight with breast cancer. Kirk's resolve was strengthened even more to continue those same family activities and traditions.

In 1985, Kirk was elected mayor of Soda Springs, the first of seven consecutive 4-year terms. During his 28 years as mayor, he served on numerous boards and commissions, notably the Association of Idaho Cities for 24 years, serving as President from 1997-1998. He also served on the Sixth District Magistrates Commission, nominating and selecting district judges for 18 years. Despite the many state and national boards he was a part of, Kirk's primary focus was always the improvement and betterment of his local community, the City of Soda Springs. From parks and trails improvement, balanced budgets, scenic byways, and library expansion, his impact and accomplishments cannot be overstated. He was a proud charter member of the Soda Springs Rotary Club, which he served in until his death.

As busy as his professional and civic life was, he still served honorably in many church callings, including elder's quorum president, bishopric counselor, bishop, high priest group leader, and high councilor. He also served in the Logan and Star Valley Temples as a temple worker and session coordinator.

In 2010, love entered Kirk's life again when he courted and married Sue. Highlights of their life together were traveling the world, serving in the temple, attending Utah State sporting events, and finding every opportunity to spend time with their 38 grandchildren. Together they experienced the tender mercies and miracles of life, despite the challenges Kirk's health journey presented.

One of Kirk's greatest attributes was his belief that it was never too late to accomplish something good. Examples of that in his own life were: completing his degree from Utah State University in 2009, taking up the sport of running at the age of 57, completing several half-marathons, and learning to fly fish. He was proud to be able to contribute to new and breakthrough cancer research and treatment development. Even when it was too late for him, his hope, expectation, and faith was that his sacrifice would benefit others and alleviate someone else's suffering.

Kirk was blessed to be under the care of amazing doctors. In particular, Dr. Greg Litton with Utah Cancer Specialists, Drs. Deborah Stephens and Daniel Ermann at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, and many PA's, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other medical staff that were always so kind and took such good care of him. In addition, many thanks to the American Cancer Society and Hope Lodge, and Enhabit Hospice.

Kirk is survived by his wife, Sue Hansen; sister Cheryl (Sid) Thompson; 7 children: Matthew (Keri) Hansen, Adam (Debbie) Hansen, Justin (Jennifer) Hansen, Jeffrey (Joni) Hansen, Jordan (Katrina) Hansen, Katelyn (Dustin) Lundquist, and Garett (Ashlie) Hansen; 4 stepchildren: Anna (McKay) Young, Jennifer (Nate) Hatch, Michael (Jennifer) Torgesen, Steven (Sabrina) Torgesen; and 38 grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father Lloyd Arnell Hansen, mother Alice Hayes Hansen, brother Craig Hayes Hansen, and wife Debera Lynn Hansen.

Kirk was a man of many words, but here are some of his best: "All of my happiness is centered around and about family and the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have enjoyed many other things in my life: business, city service, friendships, USU, and many others. However, no matter how rewarding or enjoyable those other interests were and are, my true past, present, and eternal happiness is centered with my family and my relationship with my Savior. Be happy. Every day is a good day!"

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 9 at 1:00 pm at the Soda Springs LDS Stake Center. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the church, and then again on Friday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. As an expression of sympathy, the family suggests sending memorial contributions to the charity of your choice, performing an act of service, or just making another's day better.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sims Funeral Home, Soda Springs, Idaho