Bruce Hansen 03/29/2024

Bruce K. Hansen, a sixty year resident of Hudson, WI, passed away peacefully in his home on March 29, 2024 at the age of 88, surrounded by his family.
Bruce was born on January 22, 1936 in South St. Paul, MN to Harry and Agnes Hansen. Bruce graduated from St. Paul Park High School in 1954 and enlisted in the US Army shortly thereafter. Upon return from his service, he met his wife and lifelong love, Carol Catherine Callahan. Bruce and Carol were married on January 31, 1958 in St. Paul, MN. They had six children, Kelli, Kevin (KC), Traci, Brian (Duke), Jonpaul (JP) and Molli. They moved to Hudson in the summer of 1964, to their home at 727 Oak Street, where he lived for the remainder of his life. Bruce graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in education and later received his Masters from UW-Stout. His first job was teaching Social Studies and Drivers Ed at Hudson High School from 1964 to 1969. Many Hudsonites have reminded the family that they learned to drive from Bruce. Bruce spent the remaining 30 or so years of his career at his former high school, St. Paul Park in Cottage Grove. There, he coached football and hockey, taught in the Social Studies department, and was a Work Experience Coordinator.
From playing and coaching hockey, Bruce went on to enjoy watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren play multiple sports, including basketball, soccer, swimming, golf and of course—hockey. Each grandchild had a drawer at the house filled with keepsakes that he had collected throughout their childhoods. He was an avid collector of antiques, most notably his treasured marble collection. He loved to fish and be outdoors, sit on the porch and read and stay up late to watch sports and old westerns.
Overall, his family and friends were his greatest achievement. He called each of them on their birthdays to sing to them—many of whom have since confessed to purposefully not answering so they could have the message saved for years to come.
Bruce is survived by his children Kelli (Steve) Saindon, Rosie Hansen, Traci (Dan) Takkunen, Duke Hansen, JP Hansen, Molli (Kenny) Stage. Grandchildren Stevi (Dustin), Kaleb (Kaylin), Pete (Hanna), Sadie (Kyle), Reese, Zoie, Ashley, Ali (Jabu), Cutter, Jack and Magnus. Great grandchildren Hudson & Leona, Carli & Madden, Cal & Mack, Dante, Griffin & Jack, and Noah. He is also survived by many dear friends who he considered family. Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carol, and his son Kevin (KC).
Celebration of Life Open House was held at 727 Oak Street on Saturday, April 6 from 2-7pm. Interment was in Fort Snelling on Friday, April 12 at 12:30pm. Procession from 727 Oak Street Hudson. Must meet at 11:00am in Hudson. Please be at Fort Snelling by 12:15pm assembly lane #4. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.