"I recently learned Carol had been sick and has since passed away. I knew Carol from C-M School. She was a talented teacher. She and my then teenage son clashed for a while but her life coaching skills taught lessons that changed their friendship for the better. I'll always admire that. My condolences to the family. "
In loving memory of
Carol J. Hansen
December 30, 2011
Carol Jean Hansen, the youngest of two daughters of Phyllis Jean (Torell) and William Faye King, was born on April 27, 1950 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She grew up and attended school in Council Bluffs, graduating as Salutatorian from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1968. Carol attended Dana College at Blair, Nebraska, where she received her B.A. in Education, majoring in High School English. She later received her Master's in English Composition in 2010 from National University in Riverside, California.
Carol dedicated her life to education. She taught English, Journalism, Speech, and Theatre at Audubon High School in Audubon, Iowa for 16 years. In 1988, Carol began teaching at the Carson-Macedonia High School until 1995, when the school consolidated with Oakland to become the Riverside Community School District. While teaching at the high school level at Riverside, Carol also taught for the community colleges of DMACC and IWCC. Carol retired in 2009 but still taught English Comp for Iowa Western Community College. She was always proud to see her students succeed in high school, college and beyond. She enjoyed seeing many former students turn into friends. When she was diagnosed with cancer this fall she received many cards and flowers addressed to "Oh Captain My Captain," a reference to a particular lesson from one of her classes, and they made her smile, laugh, and cry.
It was during her time in Audubon she began her work with the Iowa High School Speech Association and it continued for the rest of her life. Carol helped write parts of the current constitution for the IHSSA and spent countless hours rehearsing both large group productions and individual selections with her students getting them ready for contest. Carol held several positions with the IHSSA including district offices for the Southwest Iowa District and serving many years on the Large Group All-State committee. Many students and guests from all over the state of Iowa witnessed Carol announce the beginning and closure of the Large Group All-State Festival.
Carol met Roger Allen Hansen in November 1973 and they were married on November 30, 1974 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs. Their marriage was blessed with a son Dan. Carol enjoyed spending time with her "boys" at Boy Scout meetings, attending high school, and later college, events in band, jazz band and choir concerts, and theater productions. She inspired a love for music and theater in Dan that continues to this day.
Carol's Lutheran faith was very important to her. She was a past member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs and in Audubon and was a member of St Paul's Lutheran Church in Treynor, Iowa, serving on several committees, was a former board member, and was active with her bible study group. She was a life-time member of the National Educators Association and was a founding board member for the Country Players Community Theatre in Audubon.
Carol loved the theatre, music and enjoyed singing. Her hobbies included scrapbooking and card making. She was an avid reader, enjoyed working on genealogy, and had recently taken up bridge. Above all, family was very important to her and she especially enjoyed her granddaughter Ali.
Carol and Roger were married 37 years when Carol passed away at the Hospice House in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 61 years, 8 months, and 3 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her father-in-law Norman Hansen.
Carol is survived by her husband Roger Hansen of Carson; son Dan Hansen and wife Jenni and their daughter Ali, all of Shenandoah, IA; sister Sharon Kislingbury and husband Bob of Winslow, AZ; in-laws Jim and Irene Jorgensen; and brother-in-law Richard Hansen and wife Lyn, all of Audubon, IA; several nieces and nephews; other relatives; many friends; and her two dogs, "Jack" and "Magoo".
In lieu of flowers, memorials to establish a scholarship fund or to St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Tributes
"Roger and Dan I hope you are all starting to heal at least a little from the sudden loss of your wife and Mother. I too remember the playhouse in Jeannie's back yard that we had great times playing in. Jeannie was a wonderful lady,I never heard her say one unkind word about anyone- at least not out loud. She will be missed by many loved ones and friends. My prayers are still being said for all of you. Connie"
"To the Hansen Family, please accept my sincerest condolences. I was so sorry to hear of Mrs. Hansen's passing. She obviously had such an impact on so many people during her life - please take comfort in knowing that a little bit of her spirit lives on in each of us whose lives she touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"To the dear family of Carol King Hansen, I am so sorry for your loss, and wish you strength and peace in this difficult time. I took a long walk the other night to think about Carol. For Carol and me, it was mostly about the newspaper, and that was even before I got to high school. I was her first paperboy in Audubon, delivering the World-Herald to her when she lived down by St. John's Lutheran. A few years later, I found myself working on the Red & White, the student paper. Carol, the teacher/adviser, recognized the potential journalist inside of me, and coaxed it out with challenging lessons and assignments. I've remember this over the years on my way to work at different papers. As a drama coach, Carol instilled in me a new kind of confidence. She welcomed me, mostly a sports kid, to the AHS drama community, where I made new friends -- a real blessing at that point in my life. Aside from teaching, Carol mentored me in life simply by being who she was -- a wise, intelligent and kind woman. There she was in the emotional roller coaster was my high school experience -- a dear soul who led the way by treating everyone with fairness, dignity and respect. I am so very grateful that my path crossed with hers. Blessings to Roger, other family members and her many friends. In sympathy, Marc Stiles Class of '78"
"A fine teacher, friend and mentor to so many students has left this world all too soon. Mrs. Hansen remains fondly in my teenage memories, and I hope and pray your memories of her will bring you comfort at this sad time. Annette McCuen Hacker, AHS Class of '86"
"On behalf of the speech coaches of Southwest Iowa, I would like to give our condolences to Roger and Dan. Carol was a shining star in the Iowa High School Speech Association, especially in SW Iowa. She was a wonderful speech coach, who always had a smile on her face, and what was best for kids in her heart. Carol spent many years working to improve speech contests in Iowa, and many of us coaches learned a great deal from her. She was a lovely lady and she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family."
"My sincere sympathy to your family. Carol was my classmate and friend from kindergarten through high school. Carol was always "the most likely to succeed", and succeed she did! So bright and talented with her compassionate nature and caring smile! My fondest childhood memories will always include the Roosevelt Elementary School gang . . . and Carol King. "
"Roger, Dan & family: I have been very sad since hearing the news of Chansen's passing. Not only was she my Drama Coach and English Teacher but she was also a friend. Late night practices for Speech were made "fun" with Chansen. Speech trips were enjoyable with Chansen. We will all miss her greatly! -- Jeni Nielsen Scanlan, Audubon class of 1987"
"I remember the first time I met Carol as if it were yesterday. It was August 1976 in the halls of Audubon High School. I was a first year teacher in a school and a town I didn't know; in fact, I didn't know anyone within 100 miles of the town. I was ill-prepared and anxious. When Carol spotted me as she was coming down the hallway, a big grin spread across her face. When she reached me, she said, "So YOU are my new cohort in crime!" I liked her immediately! For the four years that I worked at Audubon HS, we shared extracurricular duties for plays, speech contest, drama club, newspaper, yearbook and photography - in addition to our language arts classes. Carol helped me get through it all. But the best part is that AFTER the four years I worked with her, Carol and I remained close friends for more than three decades. She and Roger were at my wedding. Carol was the first person who was "allowed" to care for my first-born daughter without me there. Carol and Roger (and sometimes Dan, too) visited us in Iowa City, in Minnesota, in North Carolina, and more recently in Des Moines, when my family lived in those locations. For me, Carol was one of those friends that you are lucky to have once in a lifetime. We could talk anytime, about ANYTHING. Often that was by phone, but Carol always made it easy to pick up right where we had left off. She was one of the most empathetic people I have ver known. I loved her cynicism, and I loved to hear her laugh! As others have noted, Carol had a true gift for teaching. She also had a gift for being a wonderful friend for life. And above all, she was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. We are all better people for having known her. We will keep her close in our hearts until we see her again. "
"The wisdom and time and gift of teaching shared by Mrs. Hansen lives on in each one of us who had the blessing of knowing her. To Mrs. Hansen's family - our prayers and sympathy - and know that she will be with us always. God bless."
"Roger, Dan and family I was so sorry to hear about my cousin Jeannie. I remember has kids I loved going to her house because she had a really neat playhouse out back, we had alot of fun in that house. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Roger and family, I am heartbroken for your loss. Carol was my best friend in high school. We constantly visited each other's homes, rode our bikes together, and talked on the phone for hours. We shared a love of music and were in choir and musicals together. Our quartet was chosen to go to the All-State Music Festival. I will forever have wonderful memories of Carol, a wise and wonderful friend. "
"There's a handful of people I can name who have taken their rightful honorary place as my mentors in my life. Carol Hansen made the top of my list. With her gentle nudging, her support and sense of humor, she served as my personal "air traffic controller," guiding the take off and landings of teenagers like me into the great beyond of college and successful careers. I'm a published writer because of Chansen. I'm a confident woman because of Chansen. I will carry her with me throughout my life, just as I have done thus far. Carol-we love you and we always will! Karla Jensen Jensen (Audubon Class of '84 and Dana College Class of '88) "
"Roger,Dan and the family of Carol Hansen, Carol was an amazing teacher and mentor,I know without her guidance, wisdom, and encouragement I would not be the person I am today. She shaped the lives of so many of her students, because she really cared!! The world has truly lost one of it's great people. I hope you can find comfort in all the memories shared by all the students Carol touched over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Brant Miller, Class of 2000"
"Dear Hansen family, Please accept my sincere sympathy. Carol made a positive impact on so many people, in and out of the classroom. Everyone should strive for the kind of positive legacy she left. Eileen"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Death leaves the heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory n one can sxteal. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Carol Hansen was an amazing teacher and friend to work with. I'm so honored to have had my daughters have her to inspire them to do their best in their college speech and composition classes. As a para at the high school I was also able to learn by her knowledge in the English department. We are thinking of your family at this most difficult time, our prayers are with you. Melissa & Rick Lewis Kiley ('06), Lanie ('08), & Jacie ('12) Feigenbutz"
"Roger and Family, We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Carol was a great teacher, she was ever so present in our childrens lives, (Maggie,Marcus and Matthew) recognizing that they all could do things they thought impossible.She truly taught with love and respect, With Carol's help they hit the honor roll! I will always remember Carol! God Bless You all!"
"Uncle Roger and Dan, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. The memories I have with her are a treasure and bring smiles to Leah and my face. When we look at the raccoons on our table we smile. Waking early to watch the cardinals with her and going through her stamp collection. She was a special woman. She helped me with some writing for a project and I'll never forget. I'm thankful for the time I did spend. Btw, I watched the Hawkeyes game last night and though of your entire family. You guys are the best. Be Strong, Steve"
"Carol was a good teacher to many and a friend to all. We are sorry for your loss. Ron and Joy Young"
"Rog and family: I am just so saddened to hear of Carols illness and passing. I haven't seen her for years but we were very close when we taught together....next door. I thought the world of her and as I can read and of course already knew, many friends, family and students loved her dearly. She will be missed by so many. I can only imagine your pain and I am holding you in prayer as I write. With my sincerest sympathy, Kathy (Burns) Wallander"
"My thoughts and prayers go out to Carol's family. She was a wonderful person to work with and touched many lives. Carol will be greatly missed."
"The lessons Mrs. Hansen was able to teach her students went well beyond the realm of composition and literature. We engaged in classroom debates that fueled great fires and she continually encouraged us to look beyond the common & obvious - to march to our own drum beat. The conversations and questions left minds ticking well after the bell rang. From the nervousness on the first day of class to the immense emotion felt on our last, knowledge and beliefs grew beyond most expectations. Her influence has been carried since then and I will forever cherish her wisdom and the memories. For those few years with Mrs. Hansen, I am eternally grateful. "It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." - Henry David Thoreau"
"To the Carol King Hansen family: My sincerest sympathies to you. She was Miss King to me throughout my high school days and was one of the best teachers that I have ever had. She taught me so much through speech and drama - poise, confidence and tenacity to name a few. I am forever grateful to her. Gob bless you all. Lori Mullenger Bolick, AHS Class of '77"
"We are so sorry for your loss. Other teachers have told me that their greatest reward is to have touched a student's life in some positive way. It is clear from the admiration, friendship and love we see expressed here by so many of her former students that this reward was Carol's. May God strengthen you in your sorrow, and may you be comforted by many happy memories. "
"Once upon a time there was a wonderful Lady that left a life time impression on a little girl. That young girl grew up in to a teenage that was looking for hope and was frustrated at everything. This extraordinary Lady still had an ear to listen to her and give advice. Then I grew up and that lady was a truly a real classy lady. I know this because she was my Aunt Jeannie. Everyone knows her as Carol. But there were a couple of us that called her Jeannie. Her mother and I. She mentioned that to me when I last saw her. She said that I was the last one to call her Aunt Jeannie. That was something that we will share together forever. For I too was named after Aunt Jeannie and Grandma King as all our middle names are Jean. When ever I was able to be in Iowa I always just wanted to play with Cuz Dan or sit next to Aunt Jeannie or have fun learning about wood burning and carving with Uncle Rog. By the way she gives the best auntie hugs I will ever know and feel. No matter where I wasâ?¦ I knew I could call Aunt Jeannie and we would catch up. When my Grandpa passed away she was there to hold my tears and she was the one that gave a simple picture of my grandpa and Great Aunt Oma and my Great Grandma and Grandpa. I will always treasure that moment and that picture. She knewâ?¦and she did. I will miss everything about my Aunt Jeannie. Hey Aunt Jeannie do me a favor look for Shelby and Timbo up there. I think youâ??ll like them. I hope that you are comforted in the arms of an Angel. P.S. When you see God tell him I said whatâ??s up! He will know what I mean! And Aunt Jeannie I will see you on the flip side. Peace and love Your Niece Leah Jean "
"Roger, Dan and the entire family of Mrs. Hansen, As you know the world has lost a special person. A woman who loved her family, loved life and loved her students. Her passion for education was one that was not matched by many. She will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"Roger, Dan, and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Mrs. Hansen was a big part of my high school career. Mrs. Hansen was an amazing teacher. I am grateful for everything that she taught me, not only in the classroom, but in life. That warm passionate smile and the warm and inviting scent in her classroom takes me back to many class discussions and life long lessons. Thank you for sharing an amazing person. Carol has touched the lives of many. Sincerely- Ashley Klindt (Ashley Lorenz) Class of 2004"
"Roger, Dan and family, Thank you for sharing such a wonderful, caring person with the world! She will be dearly missed by many. Mrs. Hansen was a great friend and teacher. She had such a deep passion for teaching as well as for every student that walked through her door. She was not only an English teacher, but a life coach as well! The world has lost such a compassionate person and She will be missed!"
"The Hansen Family- What a blessing it was to have Carol as a teacher. I can member exactly what she got my for my graduation. I can also remember taking my Iowa Western classes with her, running home to tell my family that no other teacher would better prepare me for college as she did. She was truly and amazing person inside and out. My prayers are with you in the time of sorrow. For the world has lost and inspiration. God Bless! Crystal Cudaback"
"Hansen Family My thoughts and prayers go out to you with Mrs. Hansen's passing. Seemingly no teacher I've encountered through my 16 years of learning has prepared me quite like Mrs. Hansen had. Please accept my sincere condolences and know that she not only hold a special place in my heart, but undoubtedly in many students over the years she blessed with her teachings. Sincerely Zach Newberg (Class of 2004)"