Mark Hansen

“Life is what you make it.”
Mark Hansen

July 31, 1948 - December 29, 2019

Mark was a distinguished man known for his candor and authenticity. He was invariably a gentleman who fine-tuned the details of his life. Mark wholeheartedly loved his family, worked until the sun went down, and always put others first. If anyone needed a helping hand, Mark’s was reliable and extended without exception. Mark will be remembered for his integrity which was as certain as snow during a Minnesota winter.

Mark accomplished many things throughout his lifetime. After graduating from Pacelli High School in Austin, Minnesota, he went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force. He served as a ‘Still Photography Specialist’ during the Vietnam War before he was honorably discharged. Upon his return, Mark married the love of his life, Jan Shevlin. Together they moved to Santa Barbara, California so Mark could attend Brooks Institute of Photography where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree. The couple spent five years in Albuquerque, New Mexico before returning to Faribault, where Mark started his 38-year career at Crown Cork and Seal. In addition to his work there, Mark took great pleasure in being the co-owner of Jan’s Thrift Shop for over 30 years and was adept at buying and selling furniture.

Mark was an avid pool player and continued to shoot with his team of many years up until his passing. He loved to travel and was a skilled hunter and fisherman. The man could fix anything. Mark adored the women in his life and took extreme pride in his grandchildren.

Mark was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer on December 4th and succumbed to his illness with dignity and grace on December 29th. He spent his final weeks in abundance, surrounded by his loved ones.  Services will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Sunday, January 12, 2020. Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m, a memorial service will start at 4 p.m., followed by a social gathering. Interment will be held at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Mark is survived by his wife Jan, daughter Erin Olson (Rob) Washburn of Santa Barbara, CA, grandchildren Atlas and Zepplyn Olson of Santa Barbara, CA., his mother Joanne VanRyn Hansen of Austin, MN, and siblings Kathy Hansen, Eagan, MN, David Hansen, MD, Joy Maryanha, Austin, MN, Michael (Carol) Hansen, Winona, MN, Thom Hansen, St.Cloud, MN, Patrick (Kelly) Hansen, Burnsville, MN, Susan Hansen, Austin, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

Mark was preceded in death by his father Leo C. Hansen, Father-In-Law and best friend Warren Shevlin, Mother-in-Law Lorraine Shevlin, and sister-in-law Shelley Ryan Hansen.

Mark’s dignity, caliber, and social grace will remain a pillar of strength throughout our lives. In his honor, we hope you create a story of which you will be proud of - for he truly left his Mark.