Donald L. R. Hansen, loving husband and father, died Sunday, January 29, 2012 in Williamsburg, VA.

Don was born March 11, 1920 in Stockholm, South Dakota to Christian and Gelia (Johnson) Hansen. He grew up on the family farm during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression eras of the 1920's and 30's.

Don graduated from South Dakota State University in 1942 with a degree in Agricultural Economics and Dairy Science. He enlisted in U.S. Naval Flight Training and served as a flight instructor during WWII. He later joined the Navy Reserve, retiring in 1968.

After the war, he owned and operated a small dairy in Minnesota before joining Ford Tractor in Michigan.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and a sister. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joy (Smith) and his son, Douglas, of Williamsburg, VA. He is also survived by his grandson, Eric, and his wife, Shelby, and their children, Samantha Rylie and Sawyer of Austin, TX; as well as his granddaughter, Kathryn and her husband, Greg Eden, and their sons, Joseph Tobey and Lucas, of San Carlos, CA. He was loved by numerous nieces and nephews. Seven American Field Service and foster children graduated from high school while living with the Hansens.

Don was a long-time member of United Methodist Congregations and actively participated in their youth programs, work projects, church administration and building programs.

He was particularly interested in travel and the cultures he encountered. Following his retirement, he and Joy spent seven years motorhoming across North America before settling in Murrieta, California. During the course of their travels he and Joy visited all 50 states, much of Europe, China, Russia, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. They have lived at Patriots Colony at Williamsburg since 2005.

Don's family would like to thank the Convalescent Center at Patriots Colony for their loving care and support during the past seven months.

A memorial service will be held at Patriots Colony Grand Ballroom on Friday, February 3, at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don's name would be welcomed by either the Greater State Fund, South Dakota State University Foundation, Box 525, Brookings, SD 57007 or the Patriots Fund, Patriots Colony at Williamsburg, 6000 Patriots Colony Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23188-1396. Online condolences may be expressed at www.nelsencares.com.