Russell Hansen

A memorial service for Russell A. Hansen will be held in Gillette on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 203 West Flying Circle Drive. Father Tom Fiske of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will officiate. Mr. Hansen, age 68, died on Easter, March 23, 2008 at The Wyoming Medical Center in Casper after a tragic fall.Russ was born, raised and educated in Newcastle, Wyoming. He was the middle sibling of Frances Wormwood and Andy Hansen. His mother taught Home Economics at Newcastle High School. After 50 years of banking and community service in Wyoming, his father retired. At the time of his death in 2000, Andy lived in Fort Collins, Colorado. Russ?s childhood was enriched by visits to his grandparents? ranch near Glendo, where he, his brother, sister and cousins searched for arrowheads, rode horseback and swam in The Platte River. Russ always had a job: delivering newspapers, rolling coins for his Dad?s bank, changing the marquee at The Dogie Theatre, working for the City of Newcastle, Vince Thompson Construction, and Plains Pipeline monitoring gauges at The Cheyenne River with Pete Kozisek, Sr. Russ played most sports but was especially serious about baseball. He developed a very competitive spirit which carried over to the courtroom and negotiation table as well as: bridge, bowling, chess, golf, poker and pool. He was a lifelong sports fan. Russ earned an Accounting Degree from The University of Wyoming. Then, he enlisted in the military and served in Army Intelligence in Germany until he was honorably discharged. Russ was employed as Assistant Director of Finance and Budget at The University of Wyoming when he met Carol Sue Oslund, oldest daughter of Walt and Wilk Oslund. Russ and C?Sue were married in Laramie on Homecoming Week-end in 1969 at the Episcopal Cathedral. In the spring of 1972, Russ earned a Juris Doctorate Degree in Law and was admitted to the Wyoming Bar Association. He joined Don White?s firm in Riverton, then worked for The Legislative Service Office in Cheyenne, and served as Director of The Wyoming Community College Commission. In 1986, Russ returned to Northeastern Wyoming and entered Campbell County Government. 1990-1994 Russ served a four year term as Campbell County Attorney. Then he was employed by The Public Defender?s Office to work in Weston and Crook Counties.Russ was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout, a Methodist Youth, a DeMolay, an ATO, a member of The American Legion, Elk?s Club, Lions Club and Rotary. The Hansens housed an Exchange Student from Sweden, and hosted adults from India, Thailand, Russia and Tazmania (Southern Australia).In the 70?s, Governor Hathaway appointed Russ to fill an unexpired term on The Wyoming Arts Council. Governor Herschler appointed Russ to The Occupational Information Coordinating Committee and to the Governor?s Older Americans? Employment Task Force. He also served on The Campbell County Corrections Board.The last chapter of Russ?s life was a partnership with his wife to provide a home and 24/7 care for his in-laws who each had been diagnosed with Alzheimers. Humor was an important ingredient in Russ?s personality and the family was blessed by his devotion.Survivors include: Carol Sue ? his wife of 38 years, Frances (Wilk) Oslund ? his mother-in-law, Judy and Herb Aycock ? sister-in-law and brother-in-law from Denver, Colorado, Janice and David Erisman ? sister and brother-in-law from Cincinnati, Ohio, Robert and Mary Hansen ? brother and sister-in-law from Ft. Collins, Colorado, many cousins, nieces and nephews and their children. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, father-in-law (Walt Oslund), sister-in-law (Nancy Oslund Reub Farady), and nephew (Jason Hansen).Memorials would be appreciated in Russ?s name to The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Building Fund in Gillette or to The United Methodist Church in Newcastle. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Stevenson-Wilson Funeral Home, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or via the internet at www.stevensonwilson.com.