Thomas Frederick Hansen

1946 - 2025

Thomas Frederick Hansen

November 8, 1946 - October 11, 2025

Thomas Frederick Hansen, 78, of North Platte, passed away on October 11, 2025, in North Platte.

He was born on November 8, 1946, to Wesley F. and Barbara (Smith) Hansen in North Platte. Tom was raised on the Hansen 77 Ranch north of North Platte. He graduated from North Platte High School in 1965. During his high school years, he was involved in a variety of activities, including serving on the student council and as President of the FFA Chapter. After graduation, he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he received his bachelor's degree in animal science. He was a member of Farmhouse Fraternity.

Tom was united in marriage to Linda Lincoln on June 3, 1967, at the First Christian Church in North Platte. The couple moved back to the family ranch, where they spent their lives together. Tom dedicated his life to conserving natural resources, nurturing the grazing lands of the ranch, and improving the cattle the family raised. Tom had a sincere commitment to the beef industry and his community. He was a member of the Lincoln County Cattlemen and the Nebraska Cattlemen. He served as President of the Nebraska Cattlemen's Association. Tom, Linda, and their family hosted the 1995 Cattle Baron's Ball at the ranch to raise money for cancer research. In 2015, he was inducted into the Nebraska Cattlemen's Hall of Fame. For many years, Tom served on the Twin Platte Natural Resources District Board, the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation Board, the NebraskaLand Days Board, and the church council for the Messiah Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the North Platte Rotary Club. Tom was elected by his community to represent them as their State Senator in the Nebraska Legislature from 2007-2015. While in office, he earned the reputation of someone who would work across party lines to serve his fellow Nebraskans.

Tom loved his family deeply. In his later years, nothing brought a smile to his face and a light to his eyes more than seeing his family when they would visit. Tom had a quick smile, a keen wit, and loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family at Lake Maloney and golfing when he could. He also loved cheering for the Huskers and Bulldogs. Tom had a creative side that not everyone saw, and he loved photography and turning things he found on the ranch into something special. Tom exemplified the term "servant leader" and will be remembered that way by his family. Linda was proud to be his wife and to stand by his side for so many years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wesley F. and Barbara Hansen, and his sister, Mary Ann Jorgenson.

Tom is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda; sons, Marshall (Heidi) Hansen of Omaha and Eric (Jill) Hansen of North Platte; grandchildren, Ryan (Haley) Hansen of Eagle Mountain, Utah, Lincoln (Mandy) Hansen of Omaha, Chloe Bitney of Omaha, Grace Bitney of Omaha, Morgan (Shane) Watteyne of Lincoln, Kaitlyn (Noah) Limbach of Kearney, Emily Hansen of North Platte and Kinsley Hansen of North Platte; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Brooks, Bryce, Caleb and Beckett; sibling, Pamela (Alan) Short of North Platte; brother-in-law, Kip Jorgenson of Hershey, sister-in-law Janice (Bob) Lutz of Arcadia; and numerous other family members and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com.

Memorial service is at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Patrick Sipes officiating. Burial follows at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. To honor Tom and his family, please wear Western attire for the funeral service. Service will be livestreamed at adamsswanson.com. Visitation is from noon to 6 p.m., with family receiving friends 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.