Genevieve 'Gene' Mary Hansen

Genevieve “Gene” Hansen, 90, passed away in Wheaton Franciscan Hospital-All Saints on Friday, March 27, 2009.

She was born in Colfax, ND, on May 4, 1918, the daughter of the late Joseph and Delia (nee: Jackley) Dederich. She came to Racine as a young girl and was a lifetime resident. She graduated from Holy Name School and the Class of ’36 from Park High School. On May 16, 1953, in Holy Name Church, she was united in marriage to Gilbert W. Hansen, who preceded her in death on June 4, 1982. Genevieve was a member of St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church and the Daughters of Isabella.

Genevieve was a devout Catholic who did not merely practice her religion, she lived it. Her life was dedicated to helping others. With her parents both passing when she was just 18, she turned down a nursing scholarship to focus on supporting and raising her five younger siblings. Her kindness and loving care extended past her family to all those in need. Gene leaves with us many great memories and a vision of putting others before self. Mom, if there is an oven in heaven, we know you are baking chocolate chip cookies right now.

Surviving are her three sons and five grandsons, Steven (Caroline) Hansen of Wilmington, DE, their sons Erik and Matthew; Donald (Julie) Hansen of Racine, their son Jacob; and Larry (Mary) Hansen of San Diego, CA, and their sons Michael and Gregory; brother, Jim (Beverly) Dederich; sister, Mildred Brauderick; sisters-in-law, Mildred Nelson and Marie Dederich, and Toni Cantwell; brother-in-law Richard Luedtke. Her nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends further survive her. In addition to her parents and beloved husband, her brothers, Frank and Robert Dederich, and sister, Mary Luedtke, preceded her in death.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. in St. John Nepomuk Church, 1903 Green St., on Wednesday, April 1. Visitation will be in the church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials have been suggested to St. John Nepomuk Church or St. Catherine’s High School.
Gene’s family would like to thank the entire staff at WFH 2B for the care and compassion shown to Gene and her family. A special thanks to Dr. Takata, for being more than just her doctor.

DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY
4600 County Line Rd., Racine 262-552-9000