Ralph Leland Hansen was born March 2, 1927, to Chris Hans and Erma Faye (Martin) Hansen in Callaway.
He attended Callaway High School, graduating in 1945. He then attended the University of Nebraska, earning his Master’s Degree in Vocational Agriculture Education. Ralph proudly served during World War II in the United States Air Force from 1945 - 1947. On May 22, 1955, Ralph was united in marriage to JoAnn Howe in David City. He taught at Seward High School for 21 years and then worked for the State of Nebraska Department of Veterans Education for 15 years.
In his free time, he was an active member of Seward Kiwanis Club, delivered Meals on Wheels, volunteered at the Nebraska National Guard Museum in Seward, worked on Habitat For Humanity homes, supported the Food Bank of Lincoln’s Empty Soup Bowls event and read books to young children in the Head Start Program. Ralph passed away March 15, 2024, in Seward.
He is survived by his children, Judy (Roger) Spiehs, of Lincoln, and Gregg (Grace) Hansen of North Port, Florida; grandson, Joel (Angel) Spiehs; great-granddaughter, Sage of Lincoln; brother, Garlyn Hansen of Loveland, Colorado; cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Hansen; and his parents, Chris and Erma Hansen.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, March 20, at 10 a.m. at the Seward United Methodist Church with committal at the David City Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the church or the Nebraska National Guard Museum. Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
