Geraldine "Gerry" Hansen

Geraldine Hansen, 80, Bismarck, passed away January 7, 2016, at CHI St. Alexius Health, Bismarck. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am Friday, January 15, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave., Bismarck, with Pastor Ed Billock Jr., officiating. Burial will be held at 2:00 pm CT/1:00 pm MT at Sunnyslope Cemetery, Mott. Cremation has taken place. Geraldine “Gerry” Annette was born August 8, 1935, in Mott, ND, the daughter of Henry and Alice (Austin) Johnson. She graduated from Mott Lincoln High School in 1953, where she was a cheerleader, homecoming queen, and participated in band, choir, and drama. She attended Minot State Teacher’s College and received her teaching certificate in 1955. Gerry taught first grade for one year and then married Basil Hansen on January 22, 1956, in Bismarck, at McCabe United Methodist Church. Together they had three children, Barry, David, and Paula. They lived in both Bismarck and Moorhead, MN, before moving back to Mott. The couple opened Hansen’s Clothing in 1966. Gerry raised her family and did some substitute teaching and worked alongside Basil at the clothing store. They moved to Bismarck in 1984. Gerry was an excellent homemaker, played piano and organ, taught Sunday school, hosted coffee parties, and later in life did volunteer work at Medcenter One. She was very involved in the lives of her grandchildren and knew just what kind of books and toys they would enjoy. She took them on visits to the Heritage Center, visited their schools, and put on mystery suppers. Her wit and sense of humor is what most people will remember of her. She was very well-dressed, stylish, and loved red lipstick. In recent years, her health had caused her to need nursing care and at the time of her passing she was a resident at St. Vincent’s Care Center. Geraldine is survived by her two sons, Barry (Cheryl) Hansen, Bismarck, and David (MaryJo) Hansen, Fargo; one daughter, Paula (Larry) Anderson, Regent, ND; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Basil; one brother, Gordon; and her parents.