Karsten Hansen

WESTBY Karsten Nikolai Hansen, age 77 died at home, November 11, 2016 surrounded by his family and loved ones. Karsten Nikolai Hansen, age 77 died at home, Veterans Day, Friday November 11, 2016 surrounded by his family and loved ones. Karsten was born in Norway on February 25, 1939 to Alvar and Ella (Kristiansen) Hansen. He came to the United States at the age of 10, and attended school in Westby. He worked in Janesville for several years before enlisting in the Air Force. During his 22 years of service to this country Karsten found himself stationed and moving to many places around the world including Finland, Minnesota, San Antonio, TX, Tacoma, WA, Thule Greenland, the Azores, twice stationed in Japan and a combat deployment in Vietnam. Karsten met his wife, Teruko Chikuri while first stationed in Japan and they later married. Together they moved to the United States in 1971 and lived in Minot, North Dakota for several years before moving back to Japan for another 4 years. Karsten retired from military service in 1986, and he and his family moved to Westby. Once in Westby; Karsten pursued his dream of establishing and running a small family farm. Karsten is survived by, his two sons Karsten Junior Chikuri and Henry Allen Hansen, two grandchildren Cody and Brent Hansen, his sister Hildur (Bob) Devine of Westby, two nephews Mark (Ann) Kvale of Sparta and Michael Kvale of Eyota MN, one niece Mara (Ryan) Ziegler of LaCrosse as well as many other cousins, nieces and nephews both here and in Norway and many friends the world over. He is preceded in death by his parents; and by his wife,Teruko Chikuri Hansen who died November 22, 2015. Karsten will always be remembered as a fair and honorable man, a devoted father and a loving husband. A Memorial Service for Karsten will be on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Pastor Mark Kvale will officiate. Burial will follow at Our Saviors Cemetery in Westby, with a luncheon afterwards at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby. Friends may call during the visitation from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM prior to the service Thursday. On-line condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St in Westby is serving the family.