H. "Ernie" E. Hansen

H. E. "Ernie" Hansen

H. E. "Ernie" Hansen, 93, longtime resident of Niobrara County passed away on April 22 in Douglas. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday at the Congregational Church in Lusk with Reverend Juanita Gillies and Reverend Pat Shea officiating. Pallbearers will be Jack Larson, Donna Ruffing, Mike Larson, Ray Robb, Wayne Tatman and Vern Modine. Interment will follow at the Lusk Cemetery.

He was born on July 31, 1911, son of Gertrude and Anthon Hansen. He moved to Lusk as a young boy and was raised on the family ranch east of Lusk. He attended grade school in Node and later moved to Lusk to attend high school. He graduated in 1930.

In the early 1930's he married Wilna Barnhart. They had one daughter, Peggy. While living in Douglas, he worked at a feed store and operated a service station. He later moved to Salt Lake City and drove a taxi. He also worked for Remington Arms during World War II. In 1949, he purchased a ranch six miles north of Lusk. He raised cattle and sheep and did custom combining. In 1960, he married Helen Swartz. They made the ranch their home until the late 1990's.

Ernie was a true survivor with his ability to make thing work. He loved ranching, gardening, football and all his friends on the 28 Road. He was a member of the Odd Fellows and Lusk Elks Lodge #1797 for 48 years. He was a 4-H leader, past Farm Bureau president and served on the Niobrara Fair Board for many years. Ernie was preceded in death by his wife Helen, daughter Peggy and two brothers, Glen and Carl.

He is survived by his stepson Paul Swartz of Lusk; son-in-law Leonard Horn and his wife Nancy of North Las Vegas, Nev.; two granddaughters, Heidi and Gretchen of Wash.; three sisters, Katherine Wood and Marie Golden of Apple Valley, Calif.; and Anna Cremer of Albuquerque, N.M. and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial has been established to the Stagecoach Museum and the Niobrara Senior Center in Lusk.

Cicmanec-Pier Funeral Home in Lusk is in charge of funeral arrangements.

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