A Life of Faith and Family

Reverend Carl Gilbert Hansen passed away unexpectedly at the age of 82 in his nursing home in Seguin, Tx on May 9, 2026.

In honor of Pastor Carl's Ministry at St Pauli Lutheran Church, rural Thief River Falls, MN, a  Tree Planting Dedication will be held at St. Pauli Cemetery at 10:30 AM Sunday, May 31, 2026.  All are welcome to attend.

Pastor Carl was born in Moline, IL, on October 6, 1943, to Woodrow and Maxine (McFall) Hansen. Following his seminary studies, Carl’s calling brought him to the Upper Midwest, where he began his ministry in Sioux City, Iowa. It was there that he met the love of his life, Mary (Sears) Farris. Following a whirlwind courtship, they wed, and Carl joyfully adopted Mary’s three young children, raising them with the unwavering devotion of a father.

Across a distinguished ministry career spanning more than 50 years, Carl served congregations throughout Iowa, Oklahoma, Texas, South Dakota, and Minnesota. His final chapter in the pulpit was an 11-year tenure as the “interim” pastor at St. Pauli Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls—a position he held with such dedication that the title became a fond local joke.

A man of deep intellect and a friend to everyone he met, Carl was cherished for his keen wit, his infectious humor, and his lifelong passion for history. He dedicated his life to sharing God’s message, a mission he fulfilled with grace and gentleness. As a dear friend recently observed: “He was a fine, gentle, loving man, and now he’s forever with his beloved bride.”

Carl is survived by his 3 children: Dawn (Ross) Bryant of Thedford, NE, Heather Burrier of Thief River Falls, and Kevin (Michele) Hansen of Seguin, TX, his 8 grandchildren: Christopher (Katherine) Sestak, Amber Burrier, Noelle Hansen, Danielle Hansen, Megan (Korey) Hanson, Chelsea (Matthew) Young, Ariel Bryant, and Aidan Bryant, and a great-grandchild: Sophia Grace (4 months)(parents Christopher and Katherine).

He was preceded in death by his parents Woody and Maxine Hansen, his brother Steve Hansen, and his beloved wife Mary.

After ten years of patient longing, Carl has finally joined Mary in their heavenly reunion.

We miss you, Dad; tell Mom “Hi.” 

A memorial service will be held at a later date.