John Lloyd Hansen

John L. Hansen of Eden, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday October 4th, surrounded by his family, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was 81 years old.

John was born on May 13, 1945, in Twin Falls Idaho, to John V. and Mildred West Hansen. Although he was the middle child, he was the smallest of the bunch and as the only son, he spent much of his free time with his father. If he wasn’t with his dad, he could be found hanging out with his Grandfather Andrew Ezra “A.E.” either fishing, camping, or simply spending time together.

John was raised on a farm just outside of Hazelton where he worked alongside his dad growing beans, grain and hay. It was during these years that he developed his love of farming and working outside. At the age of 18, John joined the United States Navy. He proudly served for four years during the Vietnam War and was stationed in San Francisco aboard the USS Tracer. While on the Tracer, he helped patrol the coast and monitor radio signals. Later, he worked fire watch as the ship was decommissioned and taken to the boneyard. After that, he was stationed in Argentia, Newfoundland, where he worked as a Seabee welder and shipfitter, helping build and repair snow-removal equipment. John was very proud, but humble, about his time spent in the Navy and he loved sharing stories from his service.

In 1971, he married Dana Stover and together they had four children: Tyson, Amy, Stephanie and Nichole. They bought a farm south of Hazelton and later added a dairy. It was there that they raised their family and instilled in their children the values of farm life and hard work. They later divorced in 1995.

In 1996, John began working at the North Side Canal Company. He loved his job and the guys he worked with. The Canal company crew became his second family, and his years there brought him great happiness. John chose to continue working well beyond his retirement age because he genuinely loved what he did. He remained a loyal and dedicated employee until his retirement in 2024.

Family was the most important thing to John, and traditions and holidays held a special place in his heart. He enjoyed spending his free time having lunch with his sisters, riding his side-by-side, and puttering around in his shops, always working on little projects here and there. He especially loved any activity that involved his grandkids, it didn’t matter what it was, he was there with a giant smile.

Wherever he went, John touched the lives of those around him. Whether it was the girls at Nicks, the waitresses at T&T Café and LaCasita, or Cara who did his pedicures, everyone who met him loved him, and he will be missed by so many.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John V and Mildred Hansen, and his brother-in-law Bill Patterson.

He is survived by his children Tyson (Christy) Hansen, Amy (Roger) Davis, Stephanie (Todd) Dalrymple and Nichole Hughes, his 7 Grandchildren, Connor, Jolie, Ethan, Adam, Madison, Claire and Piper as well as his sisters, Marilyn Patterson and Norma (Arilyn) Bodily.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held Friday, October 9th at 10 a.m. at the Hazelton Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to join for a light lunch and fellowship immediately following, at Rosenau Funeral Home in Twin Falls.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Valley High School, FFA Program, 882 Valley Road South, Hazelton, ID 83335.