Dawn Hansen

Dawn (Holtey) Hansen was born on July 24, 1950, in Virgil, SD, to William "Bill" and Carmon (Meeves) Holtey. She grew up in Virgil and graduated from Wolsey High School. Dawn then attended Dakota State University in Madison, SD, where she obtained a degree in Elementary and Physical Education and a minor in Art. In 1971, Dawn began what became a 26-year career as a second grade, and later, Title I teacher in Marshall Public Schools. On April 17, 1973, Dawn was united in marriage to Alan Hansen in Madison, SD. Dawn lived life with unyielding determination. She loved teaching and her passion for this spilled into many other parts of her life including helping others. She was a very spirited and passionate person. She loved her "fur babies" (family pets), and adored her only grandson, Dylan. Dawn held an immense amount of pride for her girls, Kristine & Kaylene. The joy she found in them seemed to fill her life. Dawn also enjoyed lake activities at her cabin in Lake Amelia; jet skiing, summer rides in her Corvette, crafting, flower gardening, practical jokes and just having fun. Dawn died on Friday, May 22, 2009, at her residence in Marshall following a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, Alan, of Marshall, daughter Kristine (and Steve) Clausen of Farmington, grandson Dylan, daughter Kaylene (and Phil) Thompson of Westminster, CO, twin brother Dale (and Linda) Holtey of Huron, SD, one niece and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Animal Arc Shelter of Hastings, MN, Prairie Home Hospice of Marshall, or the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Foundation.