Peggy Lou Hansen

Peggy Lou (Andersen) Hansen, daughter of Earl “Speenie” and Leota (Harris) Andersen was born on March 16, 1937. Later a brother Jerry completed their family. Baptized and confirmed at Jacksonville Lutheran Church, Peggy’s strong foundation of faith guided her throughout her life and shaped the way she cared for others.

As a young woman, Peggy’s vibrant spirit was evident. She was a high school softball player and cheerleader, bringing enthusiasm to everything she did. In 1954, she met the love of her life, Roland “Rollie” Hansen, at Luther League. After graduating from Harlan Community High School in 1955, they were married just three days later, beginning a lifelong partnership built on devotion and determination.

While Rollie served in the Army, Peggy stayed with her parents, Speenie and Leota Andersen, and worked at the grain elevator. Upon Rollie’s return, they built their life in Kirkman, where they welcomed Keli; in Redline, where Steve was born; and in Poplar, where Hollie completed their family. They later settled on the family farm north of Kimballton until 1979, eventually building their home in Elk Horn. No matter the address, Peggy made every house a place of warmth, laughter, and belonging.

Peggy loved to be busy because she loved to connect with people. Over the course of her life she worked at Landmands National Bank, the Danish Windmill, Salem Nursing Home, the Danish Immigrant Museum, and on a variety of boards, most notably her and Rollie’s stint as President of the Rural Mail Carriers Association. In her retirement, the two welcomed visitors into their bed and breakfast at Hansen’s Kro. All of these experiences allowed her to proudly share her love of community and heritage.

Yet her greatest joy was her family. She was a proud daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, most recently great-great grandmother. She rarely missed her grandchildren’s events, cheering them on and often bringing rice krispie treats to celebrate their efforts. She and Rollie treasured taking their nine grandchildren on special outings, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

In later years, she cherished Sunday outings with her daughter Keli, at times meeting with family and often ending at Dairy Queen, simple moments that meant so much. Peggy will be remembered for her love of playing cards, gathering with friends, spoiling and bragging about her family, cheering for Iowa Women’s Basketball and their special coach, Coach Jan Jensen, and traveling as a snowbird to Arizona. Rollie and Peggy were proud to be able to travel and see 49 of the 50 states. She found beauty in life’s everyday blessings.

Peggy’s life was a testament of faith, love, and devotion. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the many lives she touched.

Peggy died on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa; attaining the age of eighty-eight years, eleven months and one day. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Rollie Hansen, son-in-law, Wade Mills.

She is survived by children; Keli Hansen; Steve (Julie) Hansen; Hollie Mills; grandchildren, Julisa (Jeff) Novotny, Jeanna Leistad, Adam (Molly) Fitzpatrich, Tyler (Kati) Hansen, Tanner (Iliana) Hansen, Tara (Will) Erickson, Cody Mills, Casey (Kaley) Mills, Kyle (MaCalla) Mills; 19 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; brother, Jerry (Sharol) Andersen; brothers and sister-in-law, Mardell and Duane Mortensen and Tom Nelson.