Joanne Mary (Van Ryn) Hansen, 93, of Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, surrounded by her loving family at home.

Joanne was born March 27, 1926, in Faribault, Minnesota, the 11th child of Henry and Mary (Van Berkom) Van Ryn. Joanne attended eight years of rural education and graduated from Bethlehem Academy in Faribault in 1943. She went on to graduate with the Mower County Teachers Training class of 1944 in Austin. She taught at District 101 in Mower County for two years.

On Aug. 24, 1946, she and Leo Hansen were united in marriage at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Faribault. Joanne and Leo moved to Austin in 1951. They became active parishioners in St. Augustine Catholic Church, were active in the diocesan Christian Family Movement (CFM) for over ten years, and raised eight children who attended St. Augustine grade school and Pacelli High School. Joanne was also active in the Counsel of Catholic Women, taught CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) and co-created the preschool religious program in her parish. She was also a charter member of Austin Birthright, Inc. for over 30 years, often serving as director. Joanne worked nationally in the area of cult education for more than 20 years and authored several books and many poems.

Her family and her faith were fundamental in her life. She enjoyed the many years of scouting, camping, family vacations and reunions. She loved card parties and was a fabulous 500 player. There wasn’t a crossword puzzle she couldn’t solve or a jigsaw puzzle she couldn’t put together. She was always ready to do something fun and never missed a teachable moment. She lived her faith every day of her life, treasured her friends, loved her children unconditionally, and always strived to perpetuate justice and equality.

She is survived by seven children; Kathy Hansen of Eagan, Minnesota, daughter-in-law, Jan Hansen of Faribault, David Hansen of Largo, Maryland, Joy Maryanha of Austin, Michael (Carol) Hansen of Winona, Minnesota, Thomas Hansen of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Patrick (Kelly) Hansen of Burnsville, Minnesota, and Susan Hansen of Austin; 23 grandchildren; and 23 (and a half) great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Hansen; parents, Henry and Mary Van Ryn; brothers, August, Phillip, Ralph, John, Walter and George; sisters, Josephine (Harold) Michael, Adella (Roger) Sterling, Marion and Veronica Van Ryn; daughter-in-law, Shelley Ryan Hansen; and most recently her son, Mark Hansen of Faribault, who passed away Dec. 29, 2019.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Monsignor Richard Colletti and Deacon John Kluczny officiating. Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m., with a CCW rosary at 2 p.m., on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, at Mayer Funeral Home and will continue for one hour before the service on Monday at the church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be left on line at www.mayerfh.com.