July 31, 1943 – June 5, 2025
Sylvia Dena Hansen was born on July 31, 1943, to Helen and Martin Elvebak. She grew up on the family farm in Mansfield, Minnesota and graduated from the Kiester high school. She then attended college at Luther in Decorah, Iowa and graduated from Mankato State University which certified her to teach. She moved to Ringsted to be the kindergarten teacher in 1966. On August 5, 1967, she wed Leroy Hansen of Ringsted. They were blessed with two children: Karena and Arlyn.
Sylvia had a passion for teaching kindergarten and taught for 35 years and then did substitute teaching for several years after retiring. She loved to connect and chat with former students. She kept all their names handwritten in a book that she treasured along with a picture of each class. She also enjoyed music whether listening to it or playing the organ, piano or singing in choir at United Lutheran and the Fenton Sweet Corn choir. She also was a lifelong Minnesota sports fan and always tuned in to Viking and Gopher games when possible. She also loved to go to local high school sports events for the AR Mustangs and North Union Warriors.
Her other passion was tending to her flowers, garden and home. And her home would not be complete without at least one or two cats that were her constant companions. She truly loved her community of Ringsted and enjoyed volunteering at many events and activities around town and at her church United Lutheran. She also served as the treasurer for the Ringsted Fire Department for 25 years.
The highlight of her life was becoming a Grandma. Arlyn and his wife Sarah blessed her with four “Grands” as she liked to call them. She enjoyed time with them immensely and took great pride in their activities and interests and truly loved playing and talking with them.
Left to cherish her memory: daughter Karena Hansen of Frisco Texas; daughter-in-law Sarah Koster of Bettendorf Iowa; the Grands: Grace, Isaac, Amarah and Annaka; siblings Lullo (Bill) Lindstrom, Andrew Elvebak, and Martha Elvebak; sister-in-law Mary Henricksen and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by husband Leroy, son Arlyn and 2 infant children.
Cards can reach the family at: Karena Hansen, 7901 Gulf St, Frisco, TX 75035
Visitation
Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 1:00PM – 2:00PM
United Lutheran Church
208 W. Maple St.
RINGSTED, IA
Service
Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 2:00PM
United Lutheran Church
208 W. Maple St.
RINGSTED, IA
henryolsonfuneral.com