Ralph Carl Hansen

1956 - 2026

Ralph Carl Hansen passed away in Pensacola, Fla., on Jan. 27, 2026, at the age of 69. He was born July 27, 1956, in Pontiac, Mich., to Carl and Julia Hansen.

Ralph spent his formative years in the Waterford, Mich., area, where he distinguished himself as a student, graduating #5 in his class from Milford High School in 1974. His passion for performance began early, as he actively participated in choral groups, even performing twice in Europe.

Ralph pursued his creative talents by attending Oakland Community College in Royal Oak, Mich., earning a degree in Communications. He received professional training as an actor and a orator, skills he expertly applied to various local commercials and events, sharing his distinctive voice with many.

Ralph accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at a young age. He was very active in the youth group of his local church. Throughout his adult life he was faithful about reading his Bible and praying.

Later in life, Ralph embarked on a career in healthcare. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Wayne State University in December of 1993. He began his nursing journey doing oncology hospital care. Ralph later transitioned to hospice care. He found immense fulfillment in hospice, excelling at offering comfort and support to his patients. He continued in hospice care until his health no longer permitted him to continue.

A lifelong enthusiast, Ralph's love for cars was sparked by his upbringing in the Motor City area even so far as to take college courses on cars. He also found profound peace and solitude while on the water and he loved boating. One of his greatest loves, which he shared with his wife, Brenda was their affection for cats. The cats were his daily companions.

Ralph's life with Brenda began in 1996 when Brenda was an intern at the Madison Heights, Mich., hospital where Ralph worked. As a car enthusiast, he appreciated Brenda's triple black Mustang convertible. He invited her to the employee Christmas dinner in December 1996, a date that went so well that Brenda asked him to accompany her to the doctor's dinner the very next day.

Ralph and Brenda were married June 1, 1998, in Broken Bow, Neb. Though they were not able to have children of their own, they showered their nephews and nieces with love and attention.

Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather Julius Henry; mother Julia Hansen; father, Carl Hansen; stepbrothers Rocque and EJ Fortin; and his ""brothers"" Randy and Doug Harris.

He is survived by his wife Brenda Hansen; sister Carla (Scott) Sauve; stepsister Denise Fortin (Dennis Brewer); ""brother"" Mike (Sandy) Harris; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral service will be Thursday, Feb. 5, at 10:30 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church of Broken Bow with interment to follow at Round Valley Cemetery. A time to receive guests will be at 9:45 a.m. to service time at the Church.

Memorials may be made to Every Man a Warrior (a ministry of Trans World Radio) 4435 O Street, Ste 100, Lincoln, NE 68510 or Gideons International at sendtheword.org or mail to P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214.