Orville Hansen

Orville Don Hansen of Duluth passed away at his home and onto a place of freedom and peace Thursday, January 30th, 2020.

Orville was born July 11th, 1954 to Hans and Beulah (Adams) Hansen. He was born and raised in Duluth, Mn., where he spent his youth seeking out adventure at every turn. He fell in love with alpine skiing at a young age venturing out to Mont Du Lac ski area as often as possible in the winter months. He also excelled on the high school tennis team and diving team. His summers were spent with his family at the cabin his father built on Big Round Lake near McGregor. Many a story came from the wild adventures he had there with his siblings, cousins and friends.

Orville attended Denfeld High School in Duluth, and upon his graduation in 1972, he honed his skills as a carpenter, and commercial and residential contractor. He had abilities as a contactor that expressed his artistic eye and was an amazing problem solver. He also was a "jack of all trades" he could fix most anything. All of these traits were recognized and applauded by the multitudes of clients that benefited from his work.

Orville met his wife Andrea (Neustel) Hansen in Duluth, and they married on August 5th, 1988. Orville and Andrea went on to have 2 daughters whom they shared their love of skiing and travel with. Aside from his travels, Big Round Lake held such a special place in his heart. Orville loved to sail the waters of Big Round Lake on his catamaran, getting so much joy out of taking others sailing, and pushing the limits of his boat. Orville had a strong connection with nature which led to his early morning fishing time at the cabin no alarms necessary!  He was always out the door and off to fish at sunrise taking whichever beloved golden retriever was a part of his life at the time. He loved to be on the lake, experience the sunrise and take in all the beauty the day was offering.

Orville loved to ski, he loved the cabin, he loved to travel and meet people, he loved his dogs, and mostly he loved his family and friends.

We will all miss the deep true nature of Orville with that twinkle in his eye and a zest for life. He was a storyteller of fun times with family and friends, and his stories, laughter, and crazy sense of humor will be missed by all those who shared happy times with him.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Beulah Hansen, brother Garry Hansen, Sister-In-Law Jackie Hansen, and nephew Mark Hansen.

Orville is survived by his wife Andrea Hansen of Duluth, daughters Elle and Tess Hansen of Minneapolis, brother Robert Hansen of Bayfield Wi, and sister Doris (Dave) Just of Beulah, ND., along with many nieces and nephews and many many close and dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held at the Moosehead Saloon at Spirit Mountain, 9500 Spirit Mountain Place, Duluth, MN. 55810 from 4PM - 7PM on Friday March 6th, 2020, with remembrances beginning at 5PM.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth MN 218-727-3555.