Thorvald Charles Hansen

Thorvald Charles Hansen III was born on January 7, 1961 at Deaconess Hospital in Minneapolis to Thor and Nancy Hansen. He was the oldest, followed by his brother Todd and sister Sarah. Thor grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota, and was homecoming king and graduated from Kennedy High School in 1979. After high school, Thor graduated from Bethel College with an AA degree in 1981, a BA in Art Education in 1984, and an MA in Educational Leadership in 1994. Thor met Carmen Schaap at Bethel, on Spring Break in the World Trade Center and there was instant attraction. After introducing her to North Star hockey and cooking a gourmet crockpot meal for her on their first date, he won her heart. She became the love of his life and they were married on July 21, 1984. After various photography and short-term teaching jobs, Thor was named director of Camp Ojibway in Siren, Wisconsin in 1990. For nine summers at Camp Ojibway, Thor proudly carried on all the traditions, including morning “Penguins” swimming in Lake Mudhen and perpetuated the myth—or was it?—of the the giant leech under the dock. Thor and Carmen brought their own little penguins to camp, Kiersten and Thor 4, who were soon joined by Annika, making their penguin rookery complete. Thor and Carmen had left for Camp Ojibway that first summer in faith, while Thor was still looking for a full time job. That fall, the Lord provided, as Thor got his first teaching job at Eden Lake Elementary. In the classroom, Thor used his unique humor, including alter-ego characters Cliff and Biff, to teach his art students about the beauty of the world. He even allowed on class each year to paint one of his various old Hondas or Toyotas, which Thor then drove around Eden Prairie for months, where students could see their work on the streets. Thor taught among his “school family” at Eden Lake for 28 years before moving to Gleason Lake Elementary in 2018. Thor loved God and he loved kids, serving at various church youth groups and camps over 36 years. Thor also loved the outdoors, especially hiking and photographing God’s world that always amazed him. Photography was Thor’s art. He spent countless hours taking and editing pictures—35,000 plus pictures on his computer alone, often used as gifts for his kids in youth group, and family and friends. As a true Minnesotan, Thor loved the opportunities winter provided especially playing broom ball. Thor was a broom ball legend on his team the “Swedish Sweepers” at Bethel, to the rink he maintained on his backyard pond. Thor also loved curling, and his team, the Broomstackers, was undefeated in league play for three years running. Thor was also a true Minnesota Vikings fan, maintain the deep loyalty and bittersweet irony that only Viking fans know. People loved Thor because Thor loved people. His calm manner and gift for listening well made it easy to talk to him. Coupled with his sense of humor, he was easy to be around and friendships formed readily. He was always the last to leave any party, making sure he had said goodbye or left a smile with everyone. He is a master of the Long Minnesota Goodbye, which for those of you who don’t know is a good by after dessert and then by the door and then by the car and then at the end of the driveway. He was second only to his dad, Thor 2. On Tuesday, March 12, 2019, the Lord decided that the work of art named Thor Hansen was complete, and he was called to join our Lord Jesus in that glorious world which Thor is photographing as you read this. And yet that work of beauty continues, in his wife Carmen, and his family—Kiersten, Thor and his wife Kelsey, Annika, and in his adorable granddaughters Elsa Marie and Svea Sophie. He is also survived by his parents, Thor and Nancy Hansen, his brother Todd (Laurie), and sister Sarah Johnson (Alan), extended family, and in all who knew and loved him. Visitation will take place on Sunday, March 17th from 2-6 at Washburn McReavy Funeral Chapel in Eden Prairie. We will celebrate the beauty of Thor’s life at a special service on Monday, March 18th at Westwood Community Church, 3121 Westwood Drive, Excelsior, MN at 2:00 pm, with a visitation an hour prior. A time of fellowship will follow the service.

Tributes

Thorvald Charles Hansen

January 7, 1961 - March 12, 2019

Tributes

Thorvald Charles Hansen

January 7, 1961 - March 12, 2019

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