Mark Hansen

Mark Hansen, age 64, of Benson, passed away April 3, 2021, in his home.  Visitation will be 1-2 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 8, 2021, at Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson.  A Celebration of Life will be 6-9 p.m., Saturday, April 10, 2021, at the Alexandria VFW Post #936.  Burial will be in Silent Vale Cemetery at a later date.

Mark was born January 31, 1957, to Robert Gordon and Joyce Lillian (Benson) Hansen in Madison, MN.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Madison.  After graduating high school in 1975, Mark continued working in the well drilling industry and eventually started his own business, Northwest Water Wells Inc., which he owned for several years.  He attended Alexandria Technical and Community College in the mid-90’s and graduated from the Manufacturing Engineering and Fluid Power programs. He later went on to complete his Bachelor’s degree in Business through Southwest State University in Marshall.  In 1996, he started working for Case-Tyler, which brought him to Benson, MN, where he remained until his death.  Dad loved the industry and stayed with the company through multiple mergers and acquisitions, the most recent of which had him working out of Wausau, WI.  Although he traveled the country extensively for his job, spending more time on the road than at home, it wasn’t too often that he would take time to sightsee.  One of his favorite work trips was when he went to Alaska in 2015, he came back with many pictures and stories to share.

Mark was united in marriage to Linda Marie Rakowski on June 25, 1977, at St. James Catholic Church in Maine, MN.  To this union they were blessed with two wonderful children, Christopher Mark and Kayla Marie.  Though the marriage did not last, their childhood love for each other remained throughout the years, as they were always making sure the other was doing okay.  Although Mark was in a special relationship with a wonderful woman for many years, he never remarried.  He often expressed his regrets in not doing things differently.

Mark found his passion for motorcycles and fast cars early on and that love only grew over the years.  He was happiest when he was out on the racetrack or tinkering in his shop.  He also enjoyed ice fishing, fly-fishing with his dad, and deer hunting with his son.  He would always be there for his granddaughters' dance shows, or his grandson’s swim meets.  Family meant everything to him.  While in good health, Mark was an active member of Freedom First Riders, and was always there for his many friends and comrades, just as they were always there for him.

Mark is survived by his sister, Dr. Carol Chandler of Alexandria (formerly Poplar Grove, IL); son, Chris (Abby) Hansen of St. Cloud; daughter, Kayla Serie of Alexandria; grandchildren, Josh, Zachary, Madison, Kaitlin, Megan Jo, Kadrie, Matthew, and Mia; and great-granddaughter, McKayla.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and one great-grandson, Tyler Matthew.