Dean A. Hansen

Dean A. Hansen, age 63 of Eau Claire passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at his home.

Dean grew up in Waterford, Wisconsin. He attended Waterford schools and graduated among the brilliant WHS Class of 1981. He remained close friends with many of his classmates.  He often shared stories of his childhood and always using first and last names, which made us laugh. Dean was an athlete in multiple sports, including wrestling and football. He was active in Boy Scouts, which brought out his sense of adventure and his love of life and people.

He attended the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, earning his B.S in Economics.  While in college he met Charlene Anderson. They were married while still in school, on May 10, 1986. Their family grew with the birth of Carley, then John, and finally Grant. Both Dean and Charlene were actively involved in the life and community of Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church. His faith grew there through small groups, community life, pastoral leaders and bible study. Dean was saved by grace, through faith in Christ. He would say, “When God looks at me, he can’t see me as a sinner. He only sees the white robe of Christ’s righteousness.”

Dean, always an entrepreneur at heart, started and grew many businesses over the years. He never felt like he was going to work, because he loved what he did. He took on challenging projects and tight deadlines and would say, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” Dean didn’t just have business partners, he made friends. And he had a good time. He worked hard, and he played hard. His heart extended to his employees, often treating them like family.

Dean loved to travel. He started traveling as a young man in high school. Then he traveled as a slightly older young man in college. Then he just kept traveling. All his life. He checked off country after country. Because Dean loved to share opportunities, he often took one of his kids, or his wife, a nephew, a niece or a friend along with him when he traveled. He also loved to make new friends wherever his travels took him. He made new friends all over the globe.

Travel to Africa surprised Dean by turning into a passion.  He traveled to Chad many times over the last 15 years, working alongside his best mate, Dan Venberg of Lutheran Brethren International Missions, to bring the gospel to unreached people. The Gospel by means of new fresh-water wells dug close to villages, so young girls were safe from long and dangerous travel to fetch water, so girls were free to go to school, so everyone had clean and safe water to drink. The Gospel by means of schools so children could learn and read. The Gospel by means of secure food storage buildings, so crops wouldn’t rot or be eaten by rodents but be available to eat during drought. Dean funded micro loans for people to start small businesses to support themselves. He helped fund an orchard, a woman’s co-op, a church, a herd of cattle, teachers, and so much more.

Family was very important to Dean. The Hansen name meant a lot to him. He loved his sisters dearly. In laws and nieces and nephews were a means for more joy and mischief. No one was immune from being hugged by or possibly being embarrassed by some antic from Uncle Dean. They loved it.  Dean grafted seamlessly into Charlene’s family. Ironically, she had only brothers and he had only sisters. At gatherings Dean would   most often be sitting with the older folks while listening to stories and making them laugh. He loved family.

Early in marriage one of the Uncles told Dean that “showing up is one of the most important things a person can do.” Dean took that to heart and made it a standard for his young family. He was determined that the Dean Hansen family was a family that would show up for people. That resolve wove into the fabric of the family heart. Carley, John and Grant were his favorite treasure. The kids all moved away and then migrated back close enough to call Eau Claire home.  They all married, adding nine amazing grandkids to our already full hearts. He wanted to see them as often as they would come, and he would host Sunday family dinners very regularly. Most evenings he would say he was the most blessed man on earth.

“And they broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” Act 2:46  When Dean was asked what lesson he could bring from Africa to us in the United States, he would say, “In Africa, if you don’t have community, you die. They depend on each other to live.” He wanted to foster the art of community in whatever small way he could. Having always gathered people, he built on to what was already at our home in order to gather more. A pizza oven, a pavilion, grills, barbeques, an open door and a willing heart. Dean wanted his house to be a home to many. Throughout the years strangers found a home in the house on the corner in the country. The door always open and a bed always ready. Dean was generous, loved people and was always ready to serve.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years Charlene; daughter Carley (John) Coker; John (Ally) Hansen; and Grant (Dani) Hansen all of Eau Claire WI, grandchildren Avery, Landon, and Stella Coker; Warren and Enid Hansen; and Conrad, Sawyer, Nina and Rayna Hansen.  Mother in Law Patty Anderson, Eau Claire. Sisters Dianne (Steve) Handrick; Donna (Mike) Janovicz; Darlene (Kevin) Shopher; Delaine (Ron) Young; Brothers in laws Karlen (Pattie) Anderson; Greg (Kathy) Anderson; Gary (Shelly) Anderson; Also by many beautiful and talented next generations of nieces and nephews who were deeply loved and cherished.

A memorial visitation will take place at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 123 W. Hamilton Avenue, Eau Claire, WI on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 9 am - 12 pm.  A memorial service will take place at the church at noon on that day with Pastor John Wile officiating.  Following the service, visitation will continue at the church during a luncheon.  Please use the link provided to attend the service virtually https://www.youtube.com/live/OxOyCLW8WAQ  To share a memory of Dean please upload a picture with the link provided Share A Photo Memory

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Dean's name to LBIM "Lutheran Brethren International Mission" LBIM Donation Link  Please put Dean's name to the right of the dollar amount on the form.  If you prefer, you may mail checks payable  to: LBIM, PO Box 655, Fergus Falls, MN 56538-0655 and include "Dean Hansen Memorial". 

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.