Vivian Ruby (Gunderson) Hansen

Vivian (Babe) Ruby Hansen, 86, of Madison, South Dakota formerly of Winfred, South Dakota passed away on Monday, May 21, 2018 at the Madison Regional Health System, Madison. Funeral services will be 10:30am, Friday, May 25, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Howard, with burial in Graceland Cemetery, Howard. Visitation with family present will be Thursday from 5pm to 7pm at the Willoughby Funeral Home, Howard. Vivian Ruby Gunderson was born to Roy and Verna (Patro) Gunderson on May 3, 1932, at Winfred. Vivian went to school in Howard, South Dakota, but did not graduate. After moving to Madison in 1991, she went back and earned her GED at the age of 60. Vivian was united in marriage to James Hansen on November 23, 1949. The couple lived in Madison for several years where a son Larry was born in 1950. They then moved northeast of Howard on a farm that was the homestead of Thomas Gunderson in February of 1952. Where a daughter Pamela was born in 1952 and a son Jerry was born in 1956. In 1958 they moved to a farm south of Howard, here a daughter Susan was born in 1962 and a son James, Jr. was born in 1963. The family then returned to the Gunderson place in 1964. Vivian spent years milking cows along side her husband James. They quit milking in 1984. Vivian went to work in 1984 to 1990 for Stamina Van Corporation. She did upholstery sewing for the vans. James and Vivian had a farm auction in April of 1991 and Vivian and James then moved to Madison during that year. Vivian helped James with his woodworking and doing most of the finish work of sanding putting finish on the wood products being made. Vivian and James went to craft fairs for many years in a loaded down Van. Vivian worked at Ravens in Madison for many years doing sewing. Vivian and James were members of the Town & Country Squares for 20 years as they enjoyed square dancing. Vivian’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy and she will be missed by them and the rest of the family and her friends. Those grateful for having shared in her life include three sons: Larry Hansen of Madison, SD; Jerry (Kathleen) Hansen of Beaver Creek, MN; James Jr. of Madison, SD; Vivian’s daughter: Pam (Ken) Kling of Lemmon, SD; Vivian’s six grandchildren: Chad Genzlinger, Kevin (Elaine) Kling, Casey (Emily) Kling, Jacob Hansen, Lucas Hansen and Nicholas Hansen. Ten great grandchildren: Jordon, Sarah, Maxwell, Chole Genzlinger, Cadence Kling, Avery Kling, Lillie Kling, Marlo Kling, Collins Kling and Corbin Kling; a step-sister-in-law: Bernie Jacobson: of Howard, SD; a step-brother: Wally Jacobson of Howard, SD; many nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband James Hansen (2006) and her daughter Susan Hansen; her parents, step-father Kenhart Jacobson, two half-brothers: Vernon and Virgil Gunderson and three half-sisters: Geraldine, Jean and Helen, a step-brother: Elwood Jacobson and a granddaughter: Sarah Genzlinger.   

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