Thela K. Hansen age 78, of Mitchell, SD died Sunday, May 5, 2024 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday, May 10, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church with burial at Riverside Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Arrangements are under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel.

Thela K Hansen, daughter of Cleo and Ruth (Conrad) Brooks, was born August 27, 1945 in Pierre, SD. She graduated from Kimball High School in 1962. Thela attended Stewart's Beauty School in Sioux Falls, SD and began her career in Wessington Springs, SD

Thela was united in marriage with John Hansen in the late 1960's. The couple lived in Wessington Springs, they later moved to the family farm north of Forestburg, SD. From this marriage their daughter Jonda was born.

Following his death from cancer, Thela was later united in marriage with Harlow Hansen in the early 1970's and they farmed together. From this marriage two children were born Jolene and John. Harlow later passed away from cancer.

After completing a degree at Mitchell Vo Tech, she worked in several administrative roles in Huron.  She also enjoyed her time in customer service at VanDyke's (Cabela's) in Woonsocket.  After moving to Mitchell, she finished her career working for Home Instead.

Thela loved spending time with her family.  She enjoyed traveling with her brothers and their wives, antiquing, and spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids.  Thela had a fondness for solving crossword puzzles, playing cards, and attending the annual "Old People's Campout."  She was one of the first women to drive the trolley at the South Dakota State Fair.  She is known for being a great cook and organizing Brooks family Easter gatherings and family reunions.  She was frequently on the go in Mitchell and especially enjoyed meeting her friends regularly for coffee or their weekly breakfast.

She was an active member of LCMS churches in Woonsocket, Huron, and Mitchell.  Most recently, she enjoyed her weekly women's Bible study and volunteering at Zion Lutheran Church and at various organizations in Mitchell.

Grateful to have shared her life are her three children Jonda (Dan) Weise, Aurora, SD, Jolene Hansen, Holmen, WI, John (T.J.) Hansen, Pipestone, MN; seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; a brother, Terry (Kathleen) Brooks, Chamberlain, SD; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, John Hansen and Harlow Hansen; her parents, Cleo and Ruth Brooks, her brother, Conrad Brooks; her in-laws, John and Mary Hansen; a sister -in-law, Elaine Walker.