Joanne Hansen

Joanne Mary (Van Ryn) Hansen, 93, of Austin, died Saturday January 11, 2020 at home surrounded by her loving family. Joanne was born March 27, 1926 in Faribault, MN, the eleventh child of Henry and Mary (Van Berkom) Van Ryn. Joanne attended eight years of rural education and graduated from Bethlehem Academy in Faribault in 1943. She went on to graduate with the Mower County Teachers Training class of 1944 in Austin. She taught at District 101 in Mower County for two years. On August 24, 1946, she and Leo Hansen were united in marriage at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Faribault. Joanne and Leo moved to Austin in 1951. They became active parishioners in St. Augustine Catholic Church, were active in the diocesan Christian Family Movement (CFM) for over ten years, and raised 8 children who attended St. Augustine grade school and Pacelli High School. Joanne was also active in the Counsel of Catholic Women, taught CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) and co-created the preschool religious program in her parish. She was also a charter member of Austin Birthright, Inc. for over thirty years, often serving as director. Joanne worked nationally in the area of cult education for more than twenty years, and authored several books and many poems. Her family and her faith were fundamental in her life. She enjoyed the many years of scouting, camping, family vacations, and reunions. She loved card parties and was a fabulous 500 player. There wasn’t a crossword puzzle she couldn’t solve, or jigsaw puzzle she couldn’t put together. She was always ready to do something fun, and never missed a teachable moment. She lived her faith every day of her life, treasured her friends, loved her children unconditionally, and always strived to perpetuate justice and equality. She is survived by seven children; Kathy Hansen of Eagan, daughter-in-law Jan Hansen of Faribault, David Hansen of Largo, MD, Joy Maryanha of Austin, Michael (Carol) Hansen of Winona, Thomas Hansen of St. Cloud, Patrick (Kelly) Hansen of Burnsville, and Susan Hansen of Austin. She is also survived by twenty-three grandchildren, and twenty-three (and a half) great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Leo Hansen, parents Henry and Mary Van Ryn, brothers August, Phillip, Ralph, John, Walter, George, and sisters Josephine (Harold) Michael, Adella (Roger) Sterling, Marion, and Veronica Van Ryn, daughter-in-law Shelley Ryan Hansen, and most recently, her son, Mark Hansen of Faribault who passed away December 29, 2019. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2020 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Monsignor Richard Colletti and Deacon John Kluczny officiating. Visitation will be held at Mayer Funeral Home on Sunday Jan 19th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. with a CCW rosary at 2pm. There will also be visitation one hour before the service at the church on Monday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be left on line at www.mayerfh.com

Service Information

Cemetery

Calvary Cemetery
4th Drive SW
Austin MN 55912

Visitation

Sunday, January 19 2020
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW
Austin MN 55912

Visitation

Monday, January 20 2020
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

St. Augustine Catholic Church
405 4th Street NW
Austin MN 55912

Service

Monday, January 20 2020
11:30 AM

St. Augustine Catholic Church
405 4th Street NW
Austin MN 55912