1926-2024
Theodore “Ted” K. Hansen, 97, son of Vernon and Leta Hansen, was born Sept. 13, 1926, in Inglewood, California. He passed away peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, at the Guthrie County Hospital, Guthrie Center, surrounded by his loving family.
Ted graduated from Granger High School in 1945. He was then drafted into the United States Army during WWII. Following his honorable discharge, he married Norma Jean Kahler, and to this union, five children were born. They lived in Indianola while Ted went to Simpson College until his graduation. He then went on to Iowa State University and Drake University and earned his master’s degree in education. They moved to Granger, and in the mid 1950s, they moved to Guthrie Center, where Ted built their family home and raised their children. Ted taught sciences at Guthrie Center High School from 1954 to 1962. He was the elementary principal from 1962 to 1988, when he retired. Ted also owned and operated Guthrie Center Plumbing and two laundromats during his time as principal. Ted also did custom woodworking for homes, and he made the cross that is in the sanctuary at the Methodist Church in Guthrie Center. He touched many lives in the Guthrie Center Community and Guthrie Center school system.
Ted enjoyed golfing, fishing, jewelry making, woodworking and supporting his children and grandchildren in their activities. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Guthrie Center, where he sang in the church choir. He was also a member of the Omar B. Shearer Legion Post No. 124, Lions Club, High Finance, and served on the New Homestead Board.
Ted’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially happy hour at his home on Friday nights. He will be missed dearly by many.
Ted is survived by his son, Gary Hansen of Iowa City; daughters, Kathy Horner of Des Moines, Cindy (Don) Slaybaugh of Guthrie Center, Tami (Bill) McCool of Waukee, and Sherry (Randy) Rhoades of Guthrie Center; 10 grandchildren, Kourtney (Jerome) McComb, Justin (Tabby) Slaybaugh, Amanda (Ryan) Steffensen, Nick (Beth) McCool, Mallory (Jesse) Cunningham, Zach (Whitney) McCool, Maleah (Gunner) Strauser, Chelsea (Billy) Baudler, Cerissa (Ben) Smith, and Keaton (Brey) Rhoades; and 24 great-grandchildren with one on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma, in 2020; son-in-law, Bill Horner; great-grandson, Will Cunningham; and sisters, Lucille and Loree.
Memorial services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church, Guthrie Center with visitation one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be held immediately following the services at the Lincoln Cemetery, Granger.
Memorials may be left to the Guthrie Center Elementary School.
Twigg Funeral Home is entrusted with his services.