Earl Eugene Hansen

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Earl Eugene Hansen,75, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was at home with his family at the time of his passing on September 18, 2026, in Rigby, Idaho, from health complications due to pancreatic cancer.

Earl was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on January 29, 1951, to Harry Peterson Hansen and Ruby Christena Hartley. He spent his childhood and youth in Lark, Utah. He was an active, curious youth who took things apart to see how they worked, usually putting them back together. He spent summers on his Uncle Don’s farm in Fairview, Utah, where he learned the value of work.

He believed in miracles and didn’t hesitate to recognize God’s hand in his life. At the age of 17, while working on a moving vehicle, he was in a traffic accident and critically injured. He always attributed his survival to the priesthood and saw this trial as a turning point that set him on God’s path. Because of his long recovery, he couldn’t graduate from high school. He earned his GED and attended trade school for mechanics.

In 1971, he stumbled across Joanne Nielsen on State Street in Salt Lake City. They previously attended Bingham High School together, but their courtship didn’t begin until after high school. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 30, 1971. They were blessed with five children. Joanne referred to him as “my honey”, a fitting title for her sweetheart and companion of over 55 years.

Earl valued independence, honesty, and hard work. His grease-stained hands were his trademark look. He founded and owned Hansen Automotive and Hansen Equipment, in addition to working for many other companies. He was trained as an industrial mechanic and certified as a crane inspector. 

Earl was a fixer. One of his projects was the restoration of a 1951 Chevrolet truck dubbed “Mater” by his grandkids. Earl said it was a group project because many family members contributed to it in time, parts, and money. Earl fixed broken cars, machines, people, and hearts. He had an unassuming way of quietly serving: a rose, a treat, an oil change. He spent his life giving, expecting nothing in return.

His missionary service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came later in life, when he served as a ward mission leader in Murray, Utah, for three years and a stake missionary for seven years. Earl and Joanne have been faithful disciples of Christ throughout their marriage. They know that death is not the end and simply another step in God’s plan and look forward to an eternity together with their family.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne, and their children, Kiersten (James) Nebeker, Earl (Nancy), Peter (Jennifer), Tina (Shayne) Nelson, and Kyle; 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Doyle and Kyle; sisters Nila Abreu, Hilma Utanah Abreu, and Judy Whetsel; and granddaughter Amy Lynne Hansen.

While Earl was ill, his family felt the love and support of family and friends. They also wish to express their gratitude to Dr. Jake Poulter and the staff of Oakstone Hospice for the tender care and individual attention Earl received. 

Family and friends are invited to honor Earl's life and legacy at a viewing on Saturday, September 26, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 71 North 3700 East, Rigby, Idaho. Following the viewing, funeral services will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the same location. Interment will be at Grant Cemetery, located at 154 North 3300 East, Grant, Idaho. If you have a classic car or truck you are invited to bring it to join in the funeral procession as a tribute to Earl.