Harold E. Hansen, 83, of Griswold, IA, died Thursday evening, September 2, 2010 at the Griswold Care Center in Griswold.

Harold was born at Griswold on August 13, 1927 the son of Ernest Walker and Grace (Forsyth) Hansen. He graduated from Griswold High School in 1945 and joined the Coast Guard where he served in the north Atlantic. When he returned home from the service, he went to work for the Laco Oil Burner Factory. He was married to LaVetta Mary Whiteaker on January 2, 1948 at Griswold. Harold later worked for Hokenstad & Wilson Implement and in 1969 joined the family business Hansen Feed & Grain Inc. He retired in 1995 and in his retirement, did seasonal work both at the elevator and for Steinbeck and Sons.

Harold was a member of the Griswold United Methodist Church, a member of the Griswold American Legion Post #508 and served as past Post Commander. He also served on the Griswold Fire Department for 20 years and was fire chief when he retired from that. He continued to be a member of the Iowa Fireman's Association. Harold had also served on the Cass County Museum Board.

Harold and LaVetta enjoyed traveling around the globe. They traveled the United States including Alaska and Hawaii, spent time in the Scandinavian countries and Europe, visited Australia and New Zealand as well as Canada and Mexico. Harold enjoyed his yard, garden and flowers; woodworking; going to sports, home and garden shows; but most of all, he loved his family and was devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers and sister.

His parents, his brothers Gerald, Leland "Corky" and his wife Trudy, Norman, and his sister Juanita Carlton and her husband Boyd preceded Harold in death.

Survivors include his wife LaVetta of Griswold, his son Mike and his wife Sally of Griswold, his daughter Carolyn Pelzer and her husband Don of Clinton, AR, 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister-in-law Myra Hansen of Griswold.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at the Griswold United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM, Pastor Dwight Grosvenor officiating. Following the services, cremation will take place and burial of ashes with military honors will be in the Griswold Cemetery at a later date. Open visitation will be at the Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold and the family will be present from 6:00 to 7:30 Monday evening.