Pete Hansen
December 1, 1934 – September 2, 2024
Pete was born December 1, 1934 in North Platte, Nebraska to Carl and Opal (Johnson) Hansen. Pete’s father was a railroader working for Union Pacific, and Pete’s family moved several times while growing up. He lived in North Platte, Sinclair, Huntly, Rawlins, and Torrington. He graduated from Torrington, Wyoming high school in 1952.
On September 19, 1952 Pete joined the United States Navy and proudly served three years, receiving his radarman training at Treasure Island, California. Upon completion of training he reported to the escort vessel, USS Whitehunt. During his service he proudly assisted in rescue of survivors of a typhoon off Agrihan Island near Sipan. After an honorable discharge from the United States Navy, Pete enrolled in the University of Wyoming. He majored in mechanical engineering and was a member of Sigma NU fraternity.
While attending the university Pete met Wanda Ellen Mill of Lusk, Wyoming. Wanda was a junior at Laramie, majoring in education. They were married September 1, 1957 and moved to Lusk in 1958. Pete was welcomed into the Mill family and quickly became a part of the family ranch which was started in 1890 by Wanda’s grandfather, Jake Mill. The ranch meant everything to Pete and Wanda and they both devoted their lives to nurturing and caring for the land they loved. Today the ranch is still in good hands being operated by Cheryl. Pete and Wanda were blessed with three beautiful girls, Cheryl, Susan, and Christine, sadly Christine passed away on May 20, 1968. During those years growing up both Cheryl and Susan pitched in side by side helping their parents on the ranch.
Pete was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge #24, of Lusk Wyoming, serving three times as master of Lodge. He served on the Wyoming State Soil Conservation Commission and also Wyoming State Board of Agriculture.
He is survived by his wife Wanda of Lusk, daughters Cheryl (Ron) Lund of Lusk, Susie (Kelly) Clay of Jackson. Four grandchildren, Caleb (Diedre), Kyle (Allison), Chrisanna Lund, and Katie (Joe) Kruse, Four great-grandsons Will, Jackson, Thomas and Henry, and two great granddaughters Emily and Solomon. He is preceded in death by his parents Carl and Opal, daughter Christine Marie, son-in-law Ron Lund, and sisters Polly Johnson and Esther Courtney.
A private family graveside service was held at the Lusk Cemetery.
Pier Funeral Home in Lusk, Wyoming was in charge of arrangements.
