Theodore Keith "Ted" Hansen

Theodore "Ted" K. Hansen, 97, son of Vernon & Leta Hansen, was born September 13, 1926 in Inglewood, California. He passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at the Guthrie County Hospital, Guthrie Center, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family.
Ted graduated from Granger High School in 1945. He was then drafted into the United States Army during WWII. Following his honorable discharge, he married Norma Jean Kahler and to this union five children were born. They lived in Indianola while Ted went to Simpson College until his graduation. He then went on to Iowa State University and Drake University and earned his Masters Degree in Education. They moved to Granger and in the mid 1950's, they moved to Guthrie Center, where Ted built their family home and raised their children. Ted taught sciences at Guthrie Center High School from 1954 to 1962. He was the elementary principal from 1962 to 1988, when he retired. Ted also owned and operated Guthrie Center Plumbing and 2 laundromats during his time as principal. Ted also did custom wood working for homes and he also made the cross that's in the sanctuary at the Methodist Church in Guthrie Center. He touched many lives in the Guthrie Center Community and Guthrie Center school system.
Ted enjoyed golfing, fishing, jewelry making, woodworking, and supporting his children and grandchildren in their activities. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Guthrie Center, where he sang in the church choir. He was also a member of the Omar B. Shearer Legion Post #124, Lion's Club, High Finance, and served on the New Homestead Board.
Ted's greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially happy hour at his home on Friday nights. He will be missed dearly by many.
Ted is survived by his son, Gary Hansen of Iowa City; daughters, Kathy Horner of Des Moines; Cindy (Don) Slaybaugh of Guthrie Center; Tami (Bill) McCool of Waukee; and Sherry (Randy) Rhoades of Guthrie Center; 10 Grandchildren, Kourtney (Jerome) McComb, Justin (Tabby) Slaybaugh, Amanda (Ryan) Steffensen, Nick (Beth) McCool, Mallory (Jesse) Cunningham, Zach (Whitney) McCool, Maleah (Gunner) Strauser, Chelsea (Billy) Baudler, Cerissa (Ben) Smith, and Keaton (Brey) Rhoades; 24 great-grandchildren with one on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Norma in 2020, son-in-law Bill Horner, great-grandson Will Cunningham, and sisters Lucille & Loree.
Memorial services will be 1:00 P.M., Saturday, August 10, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church, Guthrie Center with visitation 1 hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be held immediately following the services at the Lincoln Cemetery, Granger, Iowa.
Memorials may be left to the Guthrie Center Elementary School.
Memorial services will be 1:00 P.M., Saturday, August 10, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church, Guthrie Center. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the services at the church. Burial of the urn will be held immediately following the services at the Lincoln Cemetery, Granger, Iowa.