Donald J. Hansen, 91, passed away peacefully at Aurora Hospice on January 13, 2026.

Donald (Don) was born in Racine, WI on December 11, 1934 to Thorwald and Marie (nee: Jensen) Hansen. On September 10, 1966, he married the love of his life, Sandra "Sandy" Schacht, with whom he raised three children and took care of their various fur babies.

Don loved his family dearly and spent many hours with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, and he and Sandy were able to travel to many international locations, filling his bucket list. He was active in the masonic organizations, including the Shrine. He took pride in his sponsorship of children who could benefit from the services of the Shriner Children's Hospital. He was also a life-long member of the Deutscher Männer Verein (Racine German Club) where he loved to participate in the Packer Prime Rib (PPR) Club.  Don graduated from Park High School in 1952 and attended a semester of college at University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1953, he got a job at SC Johnson as a sample collector. He was later promoted to a chemist in the Quality Control department, where he spent most of his long career, retiring in 2000. He enjoyed his job and often spoke fondly about his expertise on the gas chromatograph.

Don is survived by his wife Sandy; his three children Deborah "Debbie" Hahn (David), Amy Sheppard (Craig), and James "Jim" Hansen; his six grandchildren Shawnee Hansen (Zach Harris), Britni Sorensen (Jeffrey), Emily Salinas (Gabe Jr.), Lisa Hahn, Tyler Hahn, and Zachary Sheppard; and five great-grandchildren Ricky, Finley, Emmy, Hazel, and Luca; two sisters-in-law Judy Schacht and Janet Hansen; and several nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers (James Hansen and Jerome Hansen); and his brother-in-law (Paul K. Schacht).

Service Details

A celebration of Don's life will occur in February for friends and family to share stories about Don.

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Shriner Children's Hospital or a favorite charity are suggested.