Brenden Robert Hansen, 25, died on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. He was born on Aug. 7, 1998, in Onawa, to William and Jennifer (Holben) Hansen. From a young age he was raised by his great-aunt, Peggy McColley. Brenden worked hard to defy the odds. When the doctors said he wouldn’t crawl, he did. And when they said he wouldn’t walk, he showed them he could. Brenden attended and graduated from West Harrison in Mondamin in 2017. While in school, he participated in the Special Olympics where he enjoyed bowling. He also loved when he was able to go swimming.
Brenden could often be found indulging in one of his favorite pastimes of watching TV, usually doing so upside down on the couch. His mischievous side would often reveal itself when he would hide between the chair and the couch, finding amusement in surprising those looking for him. A lover of simple pleasures, Brenden found solace in swinging on the porch swing, gently swaying back and forth. The laughter that erupted from him when surrounded by loud noises, particularly fireworks, captured the essence of his infectious spirit. Brenden’s ability to find joy in even the simplest moments served as a shining example to all who knew him.
Brenden was preceded in death by his grandparents and great grandparents, Robert and Joan Hansen, Robert Tedford, Emily Thomas and Bud and Velma Holben; and his aunt, Shelley Hansen. He is survived by his father, Bill Hansen and mother, Jennifer Holben both of Pisgah; sister, Morgan Hansen and her daughter, Elizabeth Loomis of Pisgah, as well as Elizabeth’s father, Colton Loomis; sister, Kaliegh Hansen and her daughters, Lyric and Luna Ladd of Council Bluffs, as well as their father, Austin Ladd; brother, Hunter Hansen of Pisgah; great-aunt and caregiver, Peggy McColley of Mondamin; grandparents, Rod and Linda Holben of Pisgah; great-grandma, Rose Tedford of Pisgah; aunts and uncles, Donald and Melody Hansen of Alaska, Jacque and Craig Charbonneau of Logan and Robert Hansen of Crescent; and many other cousins, family members and friends.
A funeral service was held on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine. Pastor Wayne Bahr presided over the service. The recorded musical selections were “It Is Well with My Soul” by Joey and Rory and “Goodness of God” by Jenn Johnson. Brenden’s final resting place is at the Noyes Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
