Bill Hansen

Bill Hansen, age 91 of Rake passed away Saturday March 28, 2026 at the Titonka Care Center. A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Sunday May 17 at Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth and continue one hour before the memorial service at 11 a.m. Monday May 18 at Patton Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will be at West Cemetery in Rake. Online condolences can be left at www.pattonfh.com

William “Bill” Jensen Hansen was born on July 27, 1934, to Claude and Nelva (Christensen) Hansen on a farm outside Emmetsburg, Iowa. In 1937, he welcomed his little sister, Claudia. The family moved to Graettinger, Iowa, in 1949, where Bill and his father founded what would become the Hansen Gas Company.

Bill graduated from Graettinger High School in 1952. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956, working as a tank mechanic. On August 26, 1955, he married Margaret Ann (Munson) of Graettinger. During his military service, the couple was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

In 1959, Bill and Margaret returned to Iowa and settled in Rake, where they established their own Hansen Gas Company. Together, they raised three sons: Michael, Robert, and John. Family life was full of adventure—trips to Alaska and Canada, fishing excursions, and countless snowmobile outings that created cherished memories.

Bill was deeply committed to his community. He served as both a Councilman and Mayor of Rake, Iowa, and was a proud member of the Rake Fire Department for more than 50 years, including time as Fire Chief. He was always willing to lend a hand wherever it was needed.

Tragedy struck on February 17, 1975, when Margaret lost her life in a snowmobile accident, leaving behind a grieving family and many who loved her. In 1979, Bill became a grandfather for the first time. On June 19, 1980, he married Delores Lund, gaining a stepson, Michael, and a stepdaughter, Monica.

Affectionately known as the “Gas Man,” Bill was rarely seen without a friendly smile and always appreciated a good Scotch. He was generous to a fault and had a remarkable gift for turning strangers into friends within minutes. Bill loved traveling and photographing nature, capturing moments that reflected his deep appreciation for the world around him.

In his later years, he often shared stories of his early days with Margaret, fondly saying she was “too good for me,” making it clear she had his heart from the very beginning.

Left to cherish Bill’s memory are his sons: Mike (Doreen) Hansen of Frost, Minnesota; Bob Hansen of Rake, Iowa; and John (Betty) Hansen of Bullhead City, Arizona; his stepdaughter, Monica Lund of Austin, Minnesota; his grandchildren Steven (Mandy) Hansen, Cory Hansen, Tena (Jed) Cunningham, Beth McPeak, William (Hailee) Hansen, and Michael Hansen; and his step granddaughter, Marissa Thorpe. He is also lovingly remembered by his great grandchildren, nieces, a nephew, and more cousins than could ever be counted and also his "illegitimate” son, Bruce "Charlie" Anderson.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Nelva Hansen; his in laws, Howard and Alice Munson; his wives, Margaret and Delores; his sister, Claudia; his stepson, Michael Lund; his grandson, Matthew Hansen; and his great granddaughter, Morgan Anne Cunningham.

Bill’s legacy lives on through the countless friendships he built as the Gas Man and the stories that will continue to be shared for generations. He will be deeply missed and forever fondly remembered by all who knew him.