Loretta Irene Hansen

Loretta Irene (Hanson) Hansen, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and dear friend to many, passed away at Garden View Assisted Living in Carroll, Iowa, on December 26, 2024. She joyfully celebrated her 100th birthday in October, proudly reaching that milestone goal and surrounded by friends and family.

A public visitation will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 5-7 P.M. at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Merle Hay Memorial Cemetery in Glidden with Rev. Anna Small officiating. Following the graveside service, a private family Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com.

A daughter of Chris and May (Nelson) Hanson, Loretta was born on October 20, 1924 in Dayton, Iowa. She graduated from Dayton High School in 1942 and then began her work as a secretary for the Dayton School Board. She fell in love with a tall, handsome farmer recently moved from Nebraska. After many bike rides and ice cream dates, Loretta married Donald Hansen on October 1, 1944. Loretta and Don began their married life on a farm south of Dayton and were overjoyed by the arrival of daughters Alice and Margo four years apart.

In 1956, they moved to High View Farm east of Glidden where they spent a wonderful life together, active in their church and community. For decades, Loretta shared her musical talent as the First Presbyterian Church organist, was recognized with several community service awards, and served on numerous boards and committees where there was a need for her time and enthusiastic support. While Loretta loved being a mother, raising her daughters, and maintaining the home, she was happy to do the hard work needed during the planting and harvest seasons.

After living on the farm for fifty-two years, Loretta moved to Carroll. In a home that she designed and built and with new friends and opportunities to volunteer, she achieved the welcoming fresh start she desired. Even in this new chapter, Loretta kept the farm and the Glidden community close to her heart, continuing to manage the farm’s operations and participate in local events.

Loretta enjoyed many happy years in her beautiful home in Carroll, surrounded by treasured neighbors and friends. Throughout her life, Loretta loved to take photographs and document both everyday events and her global travels. Her home was adorned with mementos from London and Paris and reflected her Scandinavian heritage. Somewhat rare for her age, she maintained an active social media and email presence that fostered a connection and engagement with the world.

Loretta’s move to Garden View Assisted Living in 2018 further expanded her community and enriched her life. Loretta was so grateful for the exceptional loving care she received there.

In addition to her beautiful smile and ever-youthful appearance, Loretta’s family and friends remember her sense of humor, endless positivity, and love of giving to and caring for others. We all aspire to be as kind, generous, and loved as Loretta was.

She is survived by her daughter, Alice Anneberg (Lee) of Denver, Colorado, grandchildren Christine Anneberg and Blake Anneberg of Vail, Colorado, and Lauren Anneberg (Kevin Irish) of Denver, Colorado.  Also included are her great-grandchildren Adeline and Aiden Irish of Denver, Colorado. Loretta was preceded in death by the love of her life Don in 2000, their young daughter Margo in 1960, a sister, and four brothers.