Judith M. Hansen

1945 - 2026

Owatonna - Judith Marie Hansen, age 80, of Owatonna, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on June 20, 1945, in Albert Lea, she was the daughter of Lemoyne and Doris (Raben) Jensen. Judy attended grade school in Ellendale, graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1963, and then from her nursing program in Austin. On June 6, 1965, Judy married the love of her life, Ellwood Hansen Jr., at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna. The couple met on the school bus and have spent the last 60 years together, growing their family with two wonderful daughters.

While Ellwood was stationed in Vietnam, Judy made their home in Owatonna where she got established in her nursing career, which she would passionately do until her retirement after 47 years of service. Using her knowledge, she would volunteer for hospice and the Owatonna Hospital. When she wasn't working, Judy and Ellwood would spend time on the Hansen family farm in rural Blooming Prairie. This is where Judy spent numerous hours gardening in the vast garden on the farm and helping Ellwood with the trimming while he mowed the lawn. Up until just weeks before her passing, Judy was still gardening and trimming the shrubs. Another activity Judy took pride in was fishing, especially on the boat that she called her own.

Faith and family were both important to Judy. As a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Judy was an avid church goer, involved in the quilting circle, and was part of the very important group of the ladies' aid in the kitchen. Judy's family was a staple in her life, but when her grandchildren came around, they became her world, and she would dote on them whenever she had the opportunity.

Judy is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ellwood Jr.; their daughters, Kristin (Tom) Ogle of Owatonna and Katie (Aaron) Martin of Rochester; her grandchildren: Grayson and Zara Ogle and Hayden and Evelyn Martin; brother, Ronald (Pat) Jensen of Owatonna; sisters, Cindy Minske of Owatonna and Patsy (Kent) Fralish of Mankato; brothers and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her step-mother, Fran Jensen; brothers-in-law, Ron Minske and Phil Hansen; and nephew, Matt Jensen.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 4 - 7 pm and Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna. A funeral service will take place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 1 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Danish Baptist Cemetery in Blooming Prairie at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be expressed to Danish Baptist Cemetery, rural Blooming Prairie.