Clifford Elroy Hansen, 83, Ellsworth, died Thursday, March 21, 2002, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Services were Sunday, March 24, at Zion Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth. The Rev. Robert Raedeke officiated. Burial was in Grand Prairie Cemetery in Ellsworth.
Clifford Hansen was born to Thorwald and Alvina (Moeller) Hansen in Clear Lake, S.D., on Aug. 25, 1918. As a child he moved with his family to Minnesota where he was raised and attended school in Kanaranzi and Magnolia. Following high school he continued his education at Nettleton College in Sioux Falls.
He married Arlene Meester on Feb. 19, 1941, in Ellsworth. Following their marriage he owned and operated Skelly Bulk Oil Company in Ellsworth and also drove school bus for 55 years. He entered Avera McKennan Hospital on March 12.
Mr. Hansen was a member of Zion Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth and served on various church boards. He was a member of Ellsworth Optimist Club, chairman of the Parkview Manor Nursing Home Board and was an active supporter of the Ellsworth school and community.
Survivors include his wife, Arlene Hansen, Ellsworth; two sons, Ron (Michele) Hansen, Castlewood, S.D., and Scott (Kristi) Hansen, Rochester; one daughter, Sherri (Roger) Willard, Colton, S.D.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Arlene Lee, Kanaranzi, and Doris Olson, Adrian.
Mr. Hansen was preceded in death by his parents.
Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.