Mr. Lawrence Hansen, of Spencer, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the age of 97. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Grace United Methodist Church in Spencer, with Pastor Chris St. Clair officiating. Prior to the service, a visitation was held at the church on Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., with the family present. Following the funeral, interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Langdon, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Warner Funeral Home of Spencer, and condolences may be sent to the family at www.warnerfuneral.com.
Lawrence Eugene Hansen was born September 28, 1928, at the Spencer Hospital, to Louis Olaf Hansen and Carrie Marie Holmberg. As an only child, Lawrence grew up on a farm northeast of Spencer.
He received his early education at the local country school before attending and graduating from Lake Center School.
As a young man, Lawrence worked on the farm alongside his dad. Together they grew corn, oats, and hay and raised livestock. While still in high school, Lawrence drove as a bus driver, using his own car to pick up other students along the route to school.
Lawrence was married to the love of his life, Jolene Francis Harvey, on February 1, 1948. On February 1, 2025, Lawrence and Jolene celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary. To this union 6 children were born: Nancy (Lanny) Hanson of Spencer; Deb (David) Kaus of Spencer; Vickie (Richard) Hall of Ann Arbor, MI; Randal (Lisa) Hansen of Spencer; Curt (Julie) Hansen of Spencer; and Terry (Jolene) Hansen of Spencer. Throughout their lives as a couple, they enjoyed riding on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, bowling, and playing cards with friends and neighbors. Family was always very important to Lawrence, and he spent countless hours helping his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with different projects.
Lawrence spent many years of his life involved in community activities. He played ball in the Langdon Softball League, was a trustee of Meadow Township, a leader for the 4-H Meadow Minutemen, and an active member of the Langdon United Methodist Church. He served as a member of the church board, chairman of the finance committee, and caretaker of the church and church grounds. Woodworking was one of Lawrence’s hobbies. He made furniture, wooden decor, toys, and various items for family members and the God’s portion sale at church.
Oliver tractors were Lawrence’s passion. With the help of his sons, he restored 17 Oliver tractors, an Oliver hay rake, 2 Oliver plows, and an Oliver manure spreader. He enjoyed taking his Olivers to the Clay County Fair, parades, and tractor shows. Lawrence won several awards with his restored Oliver machinery.
Throughout his entire life, Lawrence was a dedicated and passionate farmer. He grew corn, beans, and oats and raised cattle, pigs, and sheep. His commitment to caring for the land was evident in the way he lived each day. In his later years, Lawrence enjoyed attending farm auctions and cruising around in his golf cart. He took a great deal of pride in caring for his yard. He spent hours maintaining the appearance of his yard and mowing his lawn up until his very last day.
Lawrence was known for his kindness, patience, and sense of humor. He was always ready to help neighbors, friends, and family. There wasn’t a task or school project he wasn’t willing to help with. Even in his later days he was willing to deliver meals and give rides as needed. His sense of humor and wit were with him until the end.
Lawrence passed away on November 23, 2025, at the age of 97. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jolene, parents Louis and
Carrie Hansen, and parents-in-law Delon and Verna Harvey. He is survived by his children, 21 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.
