Leeann Hansen

Larchwood, IA

     LeeAnn Hansen age 73 of Larchwood, IA died Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at Ava's House in Sioux Falls, SD.

     Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 14^th at Prairie Hills Covenant Church in Sioux Falls, SD with Rev. Richard Gordon, officiating.

     Family will gather at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 14^th at Grandview Covenant Church for a family service, before processing to the Grandview Covenant Cemetery at Larchwood, IA for a private burial.

     Visitation will be Tuesday, November 13^th, from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. with the family present from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Covenant Church in Sioux Falls.

     Please consider a memorial donation to: Larchwood Awana Club, KNWC radio or charity/organization of choice. 

      LeeAnn Kaye Hansen was born March 1, 1945 to LuVerne and Caroline (Bossman) Poppinga in Sioux Falls, SD.  She grew up in rural Harrisburg on the family farm.  Graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1963 and went onto complete Washington High Schools Theory and Practice of Practical Nursing in 1965.  True to LeeAnns spirit to care for others, this began her tenure at Sioux Valley, now Sanford USD Medical Center.  She later furthered her nursing education and obtained a RN degree from University of South Dakota.  In 2006 she received the employee of the year award of Excellence In Obstetrics and Gynecology.  Her hard work ethic, passion for nursing and her bond with her coworkers lead to her 44-year long career that she would not retire from.  Her Sanford family brought so much joy to her life and so many cherished memories that she held very close in her heart. 

     LeeAnn met Darrel in fall of 1967.  On August 30^th, 1969 they were united in marriage at Central Baptist Church in Sioux Falls, SD.  They started their married life living in Sioux Falls until 1977 when they built a new home on family land in beautiful Downtown Granite, IA.  Through the years they were blessed with two children, Brett and Heather and two Grandsons, Brock and Brice.  While building their life in Granite, their love and involvement for the community began to grow.  In 1984 Leeann and Darrel hosted a small neighborhood gathering for an old time threshing demonstration.  As the years went on and things progressed this “small” gathering turned into the Granite Threshing Bee, a well-attended annual three-day event.  This became her second full time job as she worked tirelessly to ensure the grounds were beautiful and people were well fed. 

     LeeAnn was passionate about many things.  Music, her family (especially her grandsons), her work, her faith and her shop at the Granite Mercantile.  She loved entertaining various women’s groups, holding bible studies and displaying her merchandise.  She was a great bargain hunter (just ask the folks at Goodwill) and loved to go antiquing.  She gave her life giving to the Lord and anyone who crossed her path.  This was evident in her dedication in Grandview Covenant Church where she served as choir director, organist, pianist, Sunday school and bible school teacher. Her involvement in Larchwood AWANA was very dear to her and over the years she participated in various roles that assisted in keeping the program successful. 

     Her love for her family, kids and grandkids was evident.  She loved attending family functions and enjoyed watching her grandkids perform in concerts and playing in ballgames.  Her title as Grandma was one of her most cherished achievements and every moment she shared with Brock and Brice filled her heart with great joy. 

     LeeAnn will be remembered in countless ways, but especially for her giving and caring spirit.  She was always thinking of others and their needs above her own.  LeeAnn put a new definition to family, it’s not only who you are related to, it’s who you care about.  While we know she is gone, she is only gone from our sight.  Her unforgettable legacy will live on within everyone who was honored to have known her. 

     On Wednesday morning November 7^th, 2018 at age 73 LeeAnn Kay Hansen finished her last night shift at Sanford Medical Center and went home to her Lord.

     LeeAnn is survived by her husband, Darrel Hansen;  son,  Brett (Amy) Hansen;  daughter, Heather (Steve) Schutz; grandsons, Brock and Brice Hansen; sisters, Karen Rush and Judy Decker;  brothers,  Doug Olander, Lynn (Kathy) Poppinga, Dean Poppinga and extended family members who admired her boundless energy, compassion and her love for others.

     She was preceded in death by her father, LuVerne Poppinga; mother, Caroline Poppinga; step mother Clara (Gross) Poppinga; father-in-law, Edward Hansen; mother-in-law, Ruth Hansen and other cherished family members and friends that have greeted her in her heavenly home.