J Kimball Hansen

J. Kimball Hansen, 91, of Benson, died at his home surrounded by loving family on March 10, 2019.  He  was born on May 18, 1927 in Jerome, Idaho to Oliver Hansen and Eva Christiansen.  He was the second of five children. He grew up in Holladay, Utah and graduated from Utah State University with a degree in forestry. He married Maurine Bentley Hansen in 1947.  He is survived by sister Margrett Hansen Borup of Orem, Utah, and brothers Farr Hansen of Salt Lake City and Lee Hansen of Cottonwood, Utah. He is preceded in death by his parents, older brother Richard Hansen, and beloved wife, Maurine.

Kimball worked as a civil servant with the forest service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, and Arizona. Upon his retirement in 1981, he moved to Benson where he built his rammed-earth house and El Rancho de las Tortugas which has been home ever since.

His work and his recreation involved exploring nature and understanding how it can enrich our lives. He taught generations of children, grandchildren and boy scouts the skills of outdoor adventure. He was a builder of boats, dune buggies, and character. He was famous for his thriftiness and ingenuity.

Kimball was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many leadership positions, including bishop, Young Men’s organization, and in the Boy Scout program, where he taught and influenced hundreds of young men. Caring for his wife for years before her death softened and humbled him. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Katherine Hansen Johnson of Kaysville, Utah, Susan Hansen Abbott of Orem, Utah, Janet Hansen Sorensen (Stephen) of Pittsford, N.Y., Christie Hansen Frandsen (Russell) of La Canada, Calif., J. Kimball Hansen Jr. (Jan) of Thatcher, Ariz., Meg Hansen Schneider (Joe) of Windsor, Colo., Mark Hansen (Linda) of Hilo, Hawaii, Julianne Hansen Early (Michael) of Hinsdale, Ill., 56 grandchildren, and 92 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at 10 a.m., at the Butterfield Ward chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 381 N. Pomerene Rd., Benson.

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