Wendell L. Hansen

Wendell Hansen, 81 of Axtell, NE passed away Thursday, December 7, 2023 at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. A celebration of life will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. Inurnment will be at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. Wendell was born in Hastings, NE to Orville and Gladys (Nicholls) Hansen. He lived in Hastings, Juniata and Bladen. He graduated from Bladen High School in 1961 in a class of 7. In high school, Wendell took part in all the sports. His entire life he talked about winning the 6 man state football championship and his special buddies Rollie and Bob. He loved to run the 880 and enjoyed his runs at the area schools but especially the State Track meet where he was state champion at the 880. It meant so much to him that all three of his grandchildren excelled in track, cross country, basketball and volleyball. He was also proud of their grades. The last few years he loved watching Big Red Volleyball. He attended college in Kearney and business school in Lincoln. In 1963, he married his high school love, Sherri Bates. They had one daughter, Amber. Wendell had a variety of jobs during his working years. He especially liked his jobs as maintenance supervisor in Bethphage and Franklin Nursing Home. When people talk about Wendell they would ask “What is he up to now?” “What trouble is he making?” He loved to tease and play jokes. “Fun” was his middle name. When he lost his fun spark a few years ago, it was truly missed. Wendell was a people person, loved to visit with friends or strangers. He loved family, kids and animals. He like dogs and they liked him. They would sit on his lap and lick his face. Wendell had a big interest in kids and 4-H as he helped start two new clubs in the area. He took pride in his sheep and working with Amber as she showed them at many events. He loved being a part of the State and County fairs. Oh, the stories he could tell. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Sherri; daughter, Amber and her husband, Shanon; three grandchildren, Caleb, Magnolia and Isaiah; sister-in-law, Debra Hansen; and 2 nieces; and nephews. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Ray and Goldie Bates; brother Don Hansen and an infant niece

Wendell L. Hansen

November 21, 1942 - December 7, 2023