Ralph Hansen

Ralph Hansen, 83, of Colby, died Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at Hays Medical Center, in Hays, KS. He was born October 26, 1938, to Ernest and Eunice Hansen, Otis, Colorado. Ralph was the third of eight children. He graduated from Lone Star High School in 1956. He then attended Northeastern Junior College, Sterling, Colorado, where he met Betty Einspahr in 1958. He then went on to Colorado State University and married Betty on December 29, 1959. Their son Craig was born November 1960. Ralph graduated with a degree in Agriculture from Colorado State University in December 1961. The young family moved to Colby, Kansas for his first post college job working as a Loan Officer for Production Credit Association where he worked for 10 years. During that time, they had a son Rod in August 1963, and adopted their daughter Lynae in May 1968. In 1972 Ralph began working for the State of Kansas where he dedicated 30 years of his career.

Throughout his life he devoted 25 years of service to the Boy Scouts of America as a volunteer Scout Master, District Executive and numerous other roles. He was recognized for his service with the rare Silver Beaver award. As a role model for the boys, he guided numerous young men to the rank of Eagle Scout.

He dedicated countless hours of service to many organizations associated with the Lutheran Church, to include the local congregation, and the International Lutheran Laymen’s league.

Ralph was preceded in death by his father and mother; older brother Roscoe; older sister Mary Evelyn and younger brother Ronnie.

Ralph is survived by his sister Caroine, and brothers Kenneth, Donnie and wife Twila, and Dwain. He is also survived by his wife Betty; son Craig and wife Renae, their daughter Leshia and husband Matt Bruneel and their daughters Eleanor and Genevieve; and Craig and Renae’s son Drew and wife Annie; son Rodney and wife Kalie and their son Ryan; daughter Lynae and her husband T.J. Douthit and their sons Jacob, James, and Justin. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

Ralph will be remembered as a hardworking, honest, Christian man, who cared deeply for those who were part of his life, always placing the needs of others first in his priorities.

Visitation will take place from 5-7:00 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2022, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral Service is at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Colby, with burial in Beulah Cemetery, Colby. Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Hour Ministries, NWKS Foundation for Hope or Trinity Lutheran Church and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or to leave condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com