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Dennis T. Hansen, 87, of Payson, Arizona, peacefully went home to his Lord and Savior on Nov. 11, 2023. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Elizabeth Hansen, and was blessed with two children, Dennis Hansen, Jr. (Stella) of Tucson and Kathleen Finuf (Larry) of Oro Valley, Arizona, five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Dennis grew up in Globe, Arizona, where he attended Globe High School prior to entering the US Navy, in which he continued his education and served as an electrician on the USS Kearsarge, earning the Korean Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and China Service Medal. After his naval service, he continued his education in electronics engineering and radar systems, taking a position at Yuma Proving Grounds and ending a 30-plus-year career in civil service at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona, as deputy director of Ground Electronics Maintenance Division for the US Navy, Department of Defense.
Dennis was an active member of the VFW and The American Legion. He and Elizabeth were members of and served at Immanuel Southern Baptist Church in Yuma and attended Ponderosa Bible Church in Payson.
From his youth, he was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish, camp and treasure hunt. In his retirement years, he rediscovered his love for the cowboy life and riding with his friends. He also had a passion for rock and mineral collecting, as well as archaeology, working many ancient Indian ruins across Arizona. He will be remembered by his neighbors as a good friend who always wanted to help with anything he could.
Burial services will be held Dec. 12, 2023, at noon, at Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Marana, 15950 N. Lockett Rd., Marana, Arizona. Arrangements by Messinger Mortuary, Payson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Payson Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, 514 W. Main St., Payson, AZ 85541.
We wish to recognize and give special thanks to the professional, compassionate care provided by Compassus Hospice of Payson, and loving caregivers Heather, Perla and Jacqueline.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim. 4:7)
