Arlene Hansen

Arlene Hansen, age 97 of Wilmot, SD, passed away on July 3, 2025, in Watertown, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Wilmot. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday, one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Wilmot Cemetery.

Arlene Doris (Thielmann) Hansen was born on September 8, 1927, in rural Wilmot, SD, to Otto and Bertha (Minder) Thielmann. She was confirmed at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Corona, SD. She graduated from Wilmot High School with the Class of 1946. Following her graduation, she worked as a bookkeeper for Osterloh’s Creamery and was a clerk at Foster’s Grocery Store. While employed at the grocery store, a group of friends needed sandwich supplies to go fishing. Arlene opened the store (after hours) to help them. One of the men asked her to a dance. Arlene and Russell Hansen were united in marriage on July 10, 1951, at the old Presbyterian Church in Wilmot. Together, they farmed the Hans and Susie Hansen farm northwest of Wilmot.

Arlene cared for her husband as his health declined. He passed away in 1999, and Arlene remained on the home place until her failing vision ended her ability to drive. She entered the Wilmot Assisted Living Center in 2019. Due to Covid in 2020, Arlene moved to Watertown and lived with her daughter, Carolyn.

Arlene treasured her grandchildren and enjoyed hosting Sunday dinners. She was a fan of the Minnesota Twins and Molly B. She spent many hours on the phone visiting with friends and loved the Peever coffee group. She sent cards for birthdays and anniversaries and always included a personalized note in her beautiful handwriting. She was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Wilmot. She will be remembered for her smile, humor, generosity, laughter, hospitality, and boundless energy.

Arlene is survived by her children: Rodney (Jia Hui Dong) Hansen of Wilmot, SD; Carolyn Hansen of Watertown, SD; daughter-in-law, Kathy Hyronimus of Wilmot, SD; three grandchildren: Hanna (Jesse) Stenson of Lidgerwood, ND; Gerald (Kimberly) Swayze of Wilmot, SD; and Emily (Tyler) Hennagir of Wilmot, SD; seven great-grandchildren: Daniel, Ethan, and Oscar Swayze; Tatum, Lila, Zane, and Tripp Stenson; and soon to arrive, baby girl Hennagir; nieces and nephew: Vicki Cobbs of Port St. Lucie, FL; Candace Gravetter and Jane (Jerry) Chandler of Kansas City, MO; and Steve (Teresa) Chamley of Council Bluffs, IA.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents: Otto and Bertha; husband, Russell; son, Harlan; sisters and brothers-in-law: Eunice (Keith) Chamley; and Gladys (Charles) Miller; grand-niece and grand-nephew: Whitney Rose Gravetter and Timmy Cobbs.

Memorial donations may be given to Prairie Lakes Hospice in Watertown and the Senior Companion Program.