Edwin Alfred 'Ed' Hansen

Edwin Alfred “Ed” Hansen, 57, of Priest River, Idaho, passed away at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Feb. 25, 2008, after an extended illness.

Ed was born on Aug. 8, 1950, in Coos Bay, Ore., to Alfred Edwin Hansen and Gladys Viola (Bendickson) Hansen. Ed grew up in Belt, Mont., and attended local schools where he excelled in football and track.

Ed worked as a young ranch hand on many of the ranches in the area before entering the U.S. Army in January 1970. He served with the 101st Airborne Rangers in Viet Nam. During his tour, he received many medals, commendations and badges, including the Bronze Star. 

Ed was a career pilebuck and certified welder and was a member of Piledrivers and Divers Local Union No. 2382 in Spokane and Piledrivers Local Union No. 2396 in Tacoma, Wash.

He worked on the missile silos in Montana and North Dakota, and on many of the bridges and dams in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Even though Ed could not swim, he still enjoyed working on the water, especially projects around Anacortes, Wash., where he could engage in his love of crabbing and shrimping.

Ed loved to fish, camp, and hunt, and generously provided many needy people with meat. He also enjoyed making walking sticks and canes out of beautiful Montana diamond willow, giving them away to family and friends.

He also skilled at things out of horse shoes, such as candle holders and hat racks.

Ed had a kind soul and enjoyed helping people in need. 

Ed was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose in Great Falls, Mont., and the American Legion Post No. 149 in Idaho.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Stephanie, at their home in Priest River. He is also survived by his mother, Gladys Hansen of Montana; five children, Jolene (Jacob) Head of Hawaii, Jason (Shawntell) Hansen of Colorado, Jamie (Eric) Munson of Minnesota, Jordan and Andy Hansen of New Jersey, and stepdaughter Niki Parenteau of Oregon; seven grandchildren, Bradley and Connor Kimball and Elaina Head of Hawaii, Maiha and Cale Hansen of Colorado, and Tennessen and Leighara Munson of Minnesota; five brothers, Harvey (Jenny) Hansen of Montana, Gary (Denise) Hansen of Washington, David (Deanne) Hansen of Washington, Jerry (Lean) Hansen of Montana, Craig (Sherrie) Hansen of Montana; two sisters, Charlotte (John) Harasymczuk of Montana, and Barbara Hansen of Montana; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Ed was preceded in death by his father, Alfred, and his brother, Wayne. 

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at the Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home in Priest River. 

Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home in Priest River is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at sherman-knapp.com.