Melba Violet Hansen, age 94, of River Falls passed away Monday, March 28, 2022 at Our House Assisted Living in River Falls. She was born November 1, 1927 to John and Dora (Jensen) Petersen in Luck, WI. Melba graduated from Unity High School in Luck, WI. She married Vernon Hansen, a classmate from high school, on May 28, 1949 at the Luck Lutheran Church. The couple moved to the twin cities area and in 1959 moved to River Falls, WI. Melba worked at UWRF as a switchboard operator and in food services. She was a very active member at Ezekiel Lutheran Church and enjoyed meeting new people and welcoming them to church. Melba was known for her love of flowers and the geraniums she had around the house in summer. Her idea of heaven was fields of beautiful flowers, choirs of angels singing and reuniting with loved ones. Melba enjoyed traveling and time spent with her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Dora Petersen; husband, Vernon Hansen; son, Jeff Hansen; brothers, Harley, Reno and Carlo Petersen; as well as her sisters, Fern Rasmussen and Lola Wiese. Melba is survived by her children, Wendy (Ben) Westendorf, Jon (Vicki) Hansen, Darcy (John) Christensen; daughter-in-law, Janine Hansen; grandchildren, Joe (Sara) Hansen, Jenna (Ben) Smith, Rebekah (Sam Koop) O’Brien, Ashley (Peter Bernhardt) O’Brien; great grandchildren, Laura, Max, Evy, Gracie and Corbin. A funeral service was held Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 11:00 am at Ezekiel Lutheran Church (202 S 2nd St.) in River Falls. Visitation was also be Saturday from 9-11 am at the church. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery. A special thank you to Our House Assisted Living and Adoray Hospice for the extraordinary and compassionate care of Melba. Arrangements were with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
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13 Comments
Wendy, Jon and Darcy, so sorry for your loss. Melba was our last living aunt from both sides of our families. She will be welcomed into heaven by so many who have passed before. With sincere sympathy
Lots of memories on Wasson Lane. Always a smile and time to visit. Sending our prayers for comfort for your family.
Melba was a special lady. When Melba was younger, She was always willing to join in church activities and help whenever possible. She had a smile that lit up her face And the face of others! Melba is now with others that she will now know. Sending prayers to her family.
We were so sorry to hear of Melba’s passing. We enjoyed visiting with her in the neighborhood and at family affairs. She was a very cool person and will be missed. Our sympathy to her family.
Susan and Bill Bernhardt
I am so sorry to hear of Melba’s passing. What a lovely lady! She always had a smile and kind word. I so enjoyed visiting and working with her and Vern at Ezekiel. She was such a wonderful model of a loving and caring Christian My ! sympathies to her family.
Dear everyone,
We are so sorry to hear of Melba’s passing. My parents thought the world of both Melba and Vern.
Be assured, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I had the great pleasure of meeting/waiting on Melba at Dicks Fresh Market years ago. She would always be sure to greet me with a smile. She reminded me so much of my own mother. She treated me like I was own her own. Miss her.
Sorry for your loss. We will be out of town for the weekend but will be thinking of all of you. Dad will be with me. She was a wonderful neighbor. Dad enjoyed helping Melba and Vern.
We were so sad to hear of Melba’s passing💔
Great Wasson Lane Memories shared together🥰
Melba will always be remembered for her caring &
Sweet Soul❤️Prayers & Blessings to her families💙🙏🏻💙
Melba always greeted you with a smile and a twinkle in her eye. A kind and gentle person of faith.
Melba was a special lady. Always had a smile and time to chat when we would meet. Many memories of her garage sales on Wasson Lane where she would always greet you with a friendly smile. Sending sympathy, love and prayers to Melba’s family who will miss her deeply.
Melba attended our Bible Study in River Falls a few years ago. She was appreciated and loved for her displayed faith, smile, sense of humor, and gentleness. We’ll miss her until we see her again, as it was truly a blessing to know and spend time with her! On behalf of the Bible Study group, we express our feelings of sadness, sympathy, and prayer for family and friends. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
Melba was a lifelong dear family friend and neighbor. She always seemed to be in such a good mood and I found it so enjoyable to stop by and visit with her. At her last garage sale I purchased some of her art work and continue to enjoy it on a daily basis.. Have lots of memories watching her family grow up and it was such a pleasure knowing them.
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