Ralph Hansen, 83, of Colby, died Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at Hays Medical
Center, in Hays, KS. He was born October 26, 1938, to Ernest and Eunice
Hansen, Otis, Colorado. Ralph was the third of eight children. He
graduated from Lone Star High School in 1956. He then attended
Northeastern Junior College, Sterling, Colorado, where he met Betty
Einspahr in 1958. He then went on to Colorado State University and
married Betty on December 29, 1959. Their son Craig was born November
1960. Ralph graduated with a degree in Agriculture from Colorado State
University in December 1961. The young family moved to Colby, Kansas for
his first post college job working as a Loan Officer for Production
Credit Association where he worked for 10 years. During that time, they
had a son Rod in August 1963, and adopted their daughter Lynae in May
1968. In 1972 Ralph began working for the State of Kansas where he
dedicated 30 years of his career.
Throughout his life he devoted 25 years of service to the Boy Scouts of
America as a volunteer Scout Master, District Executive and numerous
other roles. He was recognized for his service with the rare Silver
Beaver award. As a role model for the boys, he guided numerous young men
to the rank of Eagle Scout.
He dedicated countless hours of service to many organizations associated
with the Lutheran Church, to include the local congregation, and the
International Lutheran Laymen’s league.
Ralph was preceded in death by his father and mother; older brother
Roscoe; older sister Mary Evelyn and younger brother Ronnie.
Ralph is survived by his sister Caroine, and brothers Kenneth, Donnie
and wife Twila, and Dwain. He is also survived by his wife Betty; son
Craig and wife Renae, their daughter Leshia and husband Matt Bruneel and
their daughters Eleanor and Genevieve; son Rodney and wife Kalie and
their son Ryan; daughter Lynae and her husband T.J. Douthit and their
sons Jacob, James, and Justin. Also survived by numerous nieces,
nephews, and their families.
Ralph will be remembered as a hardworking, honest, Christian man, who
cared deeply for those who were part of his life, always placing the
needs of others first in his priorities.
Visitation will take place from 5-7:00 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2022, at
Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral Service is at 10:30 a.m. Saturday,
June 4, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Colby, with burial in Beulah
Cemetery, Colby. Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Hour Ministries,
NWKS Foundation for Hope or Trinity Lutheran Church and sent in care of
Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or to
leave condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com