Gretchen E. Hansen
February 3, 2018
Gretchen E. Hansen, 100, of Baraboo, passed away on Thursday,
Feb. 1, 2018 at St. Clare Meadows Care Center.
Gretchen was born at home in St. Charles, Iowa, (Madison
County) on Dec. 9, 1917 to E.E. and Adah Mae (Quiggin) Murphy. In 1919, she
moved with her family to a farm near Wyeville in the Tomah area and later moved
into Tomah where she graduated from Tomah High School in 1934.
She worked several part-time jobs in the area and in 1938 married
Donald L. Hansen. Don worked for the Milwaukee Road and his job moved them to
live in Wausau, where their son, Dan was born. In 1946, the family moved to
Tomahawk and then to Wabasha, Minnesota in 1955.
Gretchen worked as a secretary for various employers and was
active in the local Eastern Star organization, church, card clubs, bowling
leagues and square-dancing. After Don’s death in 1981, Gretchen moved to
Baraboo in 1991 to be near Dan and Lynne with their family. She made many new
friends and was active in her membership at First Presbyterian Church of
Baraboo, Eastern Star and various other groups until failing health required
her to move to St. Clare Meadows. On Dec. 9, 2017, her immediate family
gathered to celebrate Gretchen’s 100 th
birthday. What a memorable
event!
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Dan (Lynne) Hansen;
two grandchildren, Amy Hansen and Adam (Terri) Hansen; and several nieces,
nephews other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, Gretchen was preceded
in death by 13 siblings and their spouses, and other relatives and friends.
A private family graveside service will take place at a later
date. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Ethan Carlson and
the caregivers at St. Clare Meadows for the care and attention given to
Gretchen during her stay. She appreciated the staff and the “good food” very
much.
The Rago-Baldwin Funeral Home, 520 East St., Baraboo, is
assisting the family with arrangements.
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