Joshua “Josh” Hansen, 39, passed away on February 25, 2026, in a snowmobile accident while on vacation in Wisconsin with his family. Though his life was far too short, Josh lived with a depth and intensity that left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. Funeral Service will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, March 11, at the Emmetsburg First United Methodist Church. Burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, March 10, at the Emmetsburg First United Methodist Church.
Josh was born on November 8, 1986, to Ronald and Janet Hansen. He grew up on a farm near Armstrong, Iowa, where his adventurous spirit and boundless energy were evident from an early age. Whether climbing to the top of a grain bin for a better view or fishing off the bridge near Hansen Hills, Josh embraced life fully. What some may have called mischievous, his family proudly called “all boy”. By the age of six, he was already driving truck and tractor on the family farm, beginning a lifelong love of hard work and the outdoors.
After graduating from Armstrong/Ringsted High School in 2005, Josh pursued construction and quickly put his skills to work renovating homes in the Emmetsburg area. During that time, he suffered a serious leg injury complicated by a staph infection. Amputation was considered, but Josh fought with determination and resilience, seeking treatment at the Mayo Clinic. His perseverance saved his leg and reflected the gift that defined his character.
Josh later founded Hansen Quality Concrete & Construction, building not only houses but a respected business and a loyal crew he considered family. With Monica at his side managing the accounting and business operations, the company grew steadily. Josh believed in working hard and playing harder-hosting barbecues, organizing fishing trips, celebrating Hawaiian shirts Fridays, and even taking annual trips to Mexico with his crew. To him, business was about brotherhood.
Josh met his soulmate, Monica Tonderum, and the two were married on June 5, 2010 in Emmetsburg, surrounded by friends and family dressed in camouflage and hunter orange-a true reflection of their shared love of the outdoors. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and adventure.
Josh was a proud and devoted father to Brian (born June 3, 2011) and Shaylee (born February 13, 2013). He cheered from the sidelines at Brian’s football games, supported Shaylee at her wrestling meets, and shared his love of hunting, fishing, and four-wheeling with both of them. Fatherhood came naturally to Josh. He embraced it with the same passion he brought to everything in life.
Never one to think small, Josh purchased river property and transformed it into a dream home for his family. He renovated the house, created a gazebo from a grain bin, and added a cabin down below. He planted gardens, canned vegetables, mastered the grill, and could calculate concrete yardage with precision-yet still paused to admire an Iowa sunset. Josh was both a builder, a dreamer, analytical, and creative.
In 2024, when Monica was diagnosed with breast cancer, Josh stood faithfully by her side through appointments, treatments, and the long wait for the words “cancer free”. His actions once again spoke louder than words, showing his family the depth of his love and strength.
Josh built more than structures- he built relationships, loyalty, and community. He turned old houses into homes, coworkers into brothers, and friends into family. He lived boldly, loved fiercely, and worked tirelessly.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Monica Hansen of Emmetsburg; his children, Brian and Shaylee Hansen; Parents, Ronald and Janet Hansen; Brother, Jeff (Barb) Hansen of Gruver, IA; Sisters Joy Worley of Litchfield Park, AZ; Jody (Alan) Erickson of Spirit Lake, IA; Jenny (Jesse) of Bondurant, IA; Father and Mother-In-Law, Dave and Mary Tonderum of Emmetsburg, IA; Sister-In-Laws, Teresa (Adam) Schreier of Sioux Falls, SD; Brenda (Kyle) Malm of Emmetsburg, IA, along with 5 nieces and 4 nephews and countless extended family members, friends and employees who were forever changed by knowing him. He was proceeded in death by his Grandparents Shirley and Bob Wegner, Ina and Einer Hansen.
Though Josh lived just 39 years, he filled them with the impact of a lifetime. His legacy is not measured in years, but in the strength of the family he built, the business he created, and the love he gave so freely. His actions spoke louder than words-and they always will.
During this unimaginable time, we ask that you please keep this precious family in your prayers. If you feel led to help ease the financial burden they are facing, donations can be made at Iowa Trust and Savings Bank in Emmetsburg in lieu of flowers.
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