Gretchen Annette Hansen, 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, surrounded by loved ones at Thorne Crest Retirement Community in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Gretchen was born on July 22, 1927, to parents Goodwin and Gladys (Hoverson) Schiager in Albert Lea. She was raised in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School.

On Feb. 23, 1946, Gretchen was united in marriage to Wayne E. Hansen at the Shepard Field Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. They made their home in Hollandale, Minnesota, after Wayne’s military service was over in 1947. Together, they owned and operated the Hollandale Locker until the early 1970s. Gretchen resided in Hollandale for the last 70 years of her life.

In her free time, she could be found cooking, crocheting afghans, or enjoying cookies and a cup of coffee with friends. Once a month she attended the “Cousins Club” where they laughed, played cards and ate good food. Spending time with family was the most important thing to Gretchen.

Those left to treasure Gretchen’s memory include her sons, Terry (Mary) Hansen of Austin, Minnesota, Craig Hansen of Hollandale, and Scott (Mary Jo) Hansen of New Richmond, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Kim (Dave) Klingfus, Andria Hansen, and Cole Hansen; great-grandchildren, Codi Percival, Ian Klingfus, and Maggie Klingfus; sister, Beverly Rasmussen; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne in 2005; parents, Goodwin and Gladys; brother, Bob (Millie) Schiager; sisters, Shirley “Deanie” (Ray) Beck and Cleo (Clair) Mansager; brothers and sisters in-law, Maynard Rasmussen, Kenny and Rosella Hansen, Earl and Leona Engbritson, and Everett and Elaine Nerness.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Hollandale Cemetery.