Richard "Bud" Allen Hansen

Richard “Bud” Hansen was born December 16, 1933. He was the middle son born to Harold and Helen (Belkey) Hansen of Carp, Minnesota. Bud attended the Carp School through the 8th grade. He began logging with his dad at a young age and it was there that his dad instilled in him a lifelong respect and love of trees and the different woods which the trees produced. Bud was a craftsman with wood.

During his young years, Bud developed a love of airplanes which became his lifelong passion. He “hung out” at the Baudette Airport as often as possible and with flying lessons from George Lore, he earned his private pilot’s license at an early age. Bud also went on to become a master mechanic.

Bud had an adventurous spirit and in 1952 He headed to Alaska for work. He spent a couple of years there before returning back to Baudette.

In June of 1960, he married Janice “Jan” (Olson). They built a home on the Rainy River and had their first two children, Mark and Darcy. However, adventure called again and they packed up and went to Alaska to work. While there, Bud did aircraft mechanic work. They also welcomed their 3rd child, Neal. They spent several years there before returning to Baudette. At that time they bought their home on the Silver Creek. Jan was working as an RN at the hospital during these times.

During this time, Bud was working at the airport again. He also took time out to become a licensed welder and he taught welding at the Industrial Shop to the high school students for a couple of years. While working at the airport, Bud had an inquiring call from the Bosch Company who were looking for a location to do winter testing on automobiles. The wheels were turning in Bud’s head, knowing the opportunity this could be for the Baudette community. He spent many hours of phone calls, work, he and Jan entertaining Bosch employees in their home and talking with others so that the Bosch Corporation would choose this community as their site. He felt it was one of his greatest accomplishments. He also worked with them for several years.

It was during this time that they built their beautiful new home which was a gathering place for many family and friends’ occasions, which always included lots of food and fun.

Bud and Jan purchased a winter home in Casa Grande, Arizona and were able to spend several winters there before Jan passed away in September of 2008. Their son, Mark, passed away 3 weeks later.

In August of 2010, Bud married Arlene Hanson. They had 12 wonderful years together. Until the spring of 2020, winters were spent in Arizona where Bud finished building his Super Cub airplane, for which he won an award in 2018 at Oshkosh. During the summers they enjoyed planting their garden and in the fall, they canned their bounty.

He was very proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments – Emily, a pharmacist at Mayo Clinic and Andrew, who will soon be a Captain for a major airline.

Although Bud was unable to join the military he was VERY patriotic and also very proud of Neal and Darcy marching in the Honor Guard.

Bud was able to peacefully pass in his home that he loved so much. He will be missed!

Bud was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Helen; grandparents, Ole and Elsie Hansen; brothers, Rolland and Gerald; son, Mark; and many aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene and family; daughter, Darcy; son, Neal (Janet); grandson; Andrew; granddaughter, Emily; daughter-in-law, Mary Ann; sisters-in-law, Rosey, Linda, and Karen; brother-in-law, Larry (Eileen); aunt, Lois; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service for Bud Hansen of Baudette will be held on Wednesday, September 21 at First Lutheran Church in Baudette at 2:00pm with a visitation and hour prior. Interment will be held at Silver Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Flag Fund and Veterans Memorial in Baudette.

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