Donna Hansen-Lehne

Hastings resident, Donna J. Hansen-Lehne, 83, passed away suddenly Friday, September 13, 2013 at her home.

Memorial Service will be Wednesday, September 18, 2013; 11:00 A.M. at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Hastings with Rev. Barry Rempp officiating. Private family burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Congregational United Church of Christ choir and organ fund. Book signing will be Tuesday, September 17, 2013; 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church.

She was born Donna Jean Nelson in 1930, the youngest of three children to Harry and Violet (Nystrom) Nelson and lived on a farm just north of Jamestown, Kansas. She was a descendent of some of the earliest pioneers that homesteaded the Kansas territory. She grew up surrounded by music, laughter, and a loving family. Her father Harry played piano, guitar and violin and my mom would spend many a night accompanying him on piano while her mother and brother Bud and sister Evelyn would join in. She played french horn in high school, acted in school plays and was head cheerleader and Salutatorian of her senior class. After graduation she married her high school sweetheart, the tough as nails Quarterback and my dad, Jim Hansen. They raised a daughter Karen, and a son J.D. while moving several times around the country for dad's work. After living in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado and Montana we moved back to Nebraska and settled down in Hastings for the rest of her life. She has lived in the same house for 42 years. Dad died suddenly in 1977 and then six years later she married Jim Lehne. They enjoyed dancing and visiting grandchildren. Jim passed away nine years later. Mom worked for many years at the Adam's County Courthouse in the County Clerk's office and retired in 1993. She still has many friends from those days. She has been a devoted member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ and enjoyed singing in the choir and being involved with every aspect of the Church. She cherished her friends she made there. Over the years she has enjoyed traveling to see her son J.D. and his family in New York City, Atlanta and Los Angeles. She loved music, loved to dance, and loved her family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Violet Nelson; daughter, Karen (Hansen) Roback; husbands, Jim Hansen and Jim Lehne; and grandson, Blaise.

Survivors include:
Brother: Robert (Bud) Nelson - Jamestown, KS
Sister: Evelyn (Nelson) Batts - Salina, KS
Her son J.D. Hansen and wife Kathryn - Rolling Hills Estates, CA
Son-in-law: Paul Roback - Inland, NE
Grandchildren & Spouses: Kristin (Roback) & Scott Schultz - Doniphan, NE
Kevin & Jody Roback - Inland, NE
Tallulah James Hansen - Rolling Hills Estates, CA
Great-Grandchildren: 7

She had so many friends that she loved and especially Verle Montgomery of Kansas. She will leave a void in all our lives. My Mom had an unwavering kindness, a generous and loving heart, treating all those around her like true family.