Our dear father, grandfather, brother, Vernal Gene Hansen, 84, of Idaho Falls, peacefully passed away March 25, 2025, at Life Care Center of Idaho Falls. He was under the care of Enhabit Hospice.
Vern was born June 29, 1940, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Ervin Francis Hansen and Zenetta Roberts Hansen. He grew up in Idaho Falls and attended Idaho Falls High School. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Alberta, Canada.
In 1966, Vern met Margaret Ann Church at the old Paxton’s restaurant in Idaho Falls. They were married later that year and were sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They made their home in Idaho Falls, nearly reaching 60 years of marriage.
Vern proudly served his country, serving with the Army National Guard for 20 years. Later in life he was a member of the American Legion Color Guard and enjoyed honoring Idaho’s veterans. He and mom served in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple for many years, and he held several Church and Boy Scout callings.
Vern always set an example of hard work. He toiled in the tire business for many years, then was a truck driver for the Deseret Industries, a job he greatly enjoyed. He volunteered as a docent at the Idaho Museum and spoke about it whenever he could. He loved his kids and did not hesitate to tell complete strangers how proud he was of them! He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and spoiled them as often as he could! Vern was a good mechanic and enjoyed taking care of our home. He was very curious and tried his hand at many things, from gardening to CB radios (back in the day). He was a big fan of the Chukars (and all the earlier versions of them). When life slowed down, he could be found completing the most complicated puzzle or working on a latch-hook project. Vern was always ready with a story, and loved to talk to anyone.
Vernal is survived by his wife, Margaret Hansen of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Jim (Charise) Hansen of Rio Rancho, NM; daughter, Darci (Jarrod) Szabo of Richland, WA; son, Kyle (Jill) Hansen of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Marla (Scott) Harris of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Josh Hansen of Idaho Falls, ID; sister, Ervetta (Doyle) Herndon of Salt Lake City, UT; 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Ervin Ray Hansen, who passed away March 22, 2025; and his daughter-in-law, Jill Hansen.
A Graveside service will be planned for a later date at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.
