Dean A. Hansen

Dean Arlen Hansen, 73, passed away on Monday, July 22 after complications from a massive stroke. Dean was born on May 15, 1940 in La Crosse, WI, to Magnus Hansen and Miranda Johnson Hansen, both deceased.

He grew up in Des Moines, IA. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1958, he attended Drake University, where he received his B.A. in Aerospace Science, and where his mother, a school principal, also received her degree. He then joined the USAF. During this time he received 2 masters degrees, one in secondary education and one in systems management from the University of Southern California. He then taught ROTC at the University of Wisconsin (Madison) where his only biological child Adena Hansen Dimberg, 43, was born. He relocated shortly after to Florida, where he spent the remainder of his life. He taught anatomy, physics, biology and chemistry at various schools and colleges after retiring from the Air Force (Tyndall AFB) as captain in 1974. He continued on in the USAF reserves until 1992.

A dedicated family man, he taught all the grandchildren to fish, to kayak, feed the birds, and love nature. He loved educating the young. A worldly man who had travelled a lot, he had much to share, including his extensive collection of ancient Greek and Roman coins. German wines and Thai food were 2 favorites. Dean will be missed dearly by so many as he was one very giving soul who marched to the beat of his own drum.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sue Hansen, (Tallahassee), his brother Herb Hansen and wife Barb, (Pebble Beach CA), Adena Hansen Dimberg (Melbourne Beach, FL). Through the years he acquired 5 more children through marriage: Sabrina Hansen and husband Richard Turnbull (Birmingham, AL), Amy Bodine and husband Bruce (Minneapolis, MN), Megan Raynor and husband Keith (Alpharetta, GA), Riley Watson and wife Michele (Tallahassee, FL), Kelly Miller and husband Greg (Weston, FL).

And this wonderful blended family produced 13 grandchildren who were the true pleasures of his life: Max Dimberg, Myles Dimberg, Katharine Turnbull, Benton Turnbull, Ansley Bodine, Claudia Bodine, Holly Claire Bodine, Kathryn Raynor, Audrey Raynor, Lauren Miller, Ryan Miller, RJ Watson and Mary Allen Ford.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, July 27 at 3 p.m. at Culley’s Meadow Wood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, FL.