April 9, 1939 – February 5, 2026
Harriet V. (Reimers) Hansen, was born on April 9, 1939, in Lake Park, Iowa to Harry and Elvera (Bunning) Reimers. She passed away surrounded by her family on February 5, 2026, at Estherville Homestead at the age of 86.
Harriet graduated from Lake Park High School. She was employed at the bank in Spirit Lake when she had a chance encounter with a young man from Estherville, Harvey Hansen. They were united in marriage at the Presbyterian Church in Lake Park on Valentine’s Day of 1959 and made their home in Estherville, where Harriet stayed at home with their children until they were all in school. In 1976, she decided it was her turn to return to school and was employed with the Estherville School District for over 40 years; interacting daily with the kids on the playground and in the lunchroom. Although the students thought she was stern, she loved her job and never really wanted to retire. Harriet thought education was very important and although she never went to college, it was her desire to see that all her children and grandchildren were college graduates, and that desire was fulfilled.
Harriet was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Estherville. She enjoyed quiet time with a good book and her cats, especially Fran. While her children were young she and her neighbor had a large garden that they worked together on and enjoyed the fruits (or vegetables) of their labor. She had a love of flower gardening; her yard was full of bright perennials, and a large bed of cacti adorned her entry way. Throughout the years Harriet and Harvey took many trips together: some with Harvey’s work, some to visit family, and some just for an adventure. They got to see a lot of the United States including Hawaii, Arizona, California, Indiana, and Ohio.
Harriet is survived by her husband of almost 67 years, Harvey of Estherville; her children Keith (Jane) Hansen of New Hope, MN, Joleen (Doug) Blacksten of Hebron, OH, and Don Hansen of Chicago, IL; her grandchildren Hannah and Mia Hansen, Michele and Lisa Hansen, and Jill (Jason) Carter, and David Blacksten. She is also survived by her brother Robert (Rita) Reimers, sisters-in-law Mary Thomas, Betty Pedersen, Sandra (Jim) Ramsey, and Thelma Soucek, and brother-in-law Merle Clark.
Harriet is preceded in death by her parents Harry and Elvera, her son Jay, and her sisters Phyllis Heuer and Janice Clark, and brother Melvin Reimers.
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