Gerald L. Hansen – Rochester

Gerald L. Hansen, 76 of Rochester, answered the call from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to return home to heaven.  He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, June 27th at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester with Rev. Donald Schmitz officiating.  Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00PM on Thursday, June 26th in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with visitation also 1 hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.  Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 92 at the church.  The burial will take place at a later  date in Sioux City, Iowa.

Jerry was born in Denver, Colorado, the son of Hans and Dorothy Hansen.  He grew up in Sioux City, Iowa before moving to Rochester where he graduated high school.  He served with honor in the U.S. Air Force at SAC Headquarters in OFFUTT AFB, NE.  He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal during his service.  After receiving an Honorable Discharge in1961, he moved back to Rochester where he worked for Dayton's as a tailor and then a salesman for Met Life.  In 1967 Jerry found his true calling and joined the Olmsted County Sheriff's Department.  He was a Sergeant in charge of the Crime Prevention Unit along with running the K-9 Unit.  He was active in setting up the Battered Women's Shelter for Olmsted County.  Jerry was also active in the community belonging to the Knights of Columbus.  He was a college professor at Rochester Community College teaching Law Enforcement Curriculum.

Jerry received an Associates Degree from Rochester Community College and a Bachelors Degree from St. Marys College in Criminal Justice.

Jerry enjoyed boating and camping with his family and friends.  He loved to travel during his retirement life and was sociable with everyone he met from the church to the casinos.

Jerry was a loving husband to his wife Irene for 54 years.  He was also a proud father to three children, Michael (Patti) Hansen, Raelene (David) Shufelt and Jerene Leferink.  He was always surrounded by his six angels (grandchildren), Nicole, Lindsey, Connor, Ethan, Gabrielle and Brooke;  and one sister, Sharron (Ben) Johnson.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com