Gerald Lee Hansen

Gerald Lee Hansen, age 83, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, February 5, 2026. He passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side. Gerald, who most knew as “Chuck,” was born on October 21, 1942, in St. Ansgar to Axel and Mary (Mostek) Hansen. He was baptized along with his brother and sister, as well as confirmed, at First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar. He graduated from St. Ansgar High School and engaged in farming with his father. Shortly after, he ran the local Co-op gas station. On April 18, 1964, Chuck was united in marriage to Judith Kroneman at St. John’s Lutheran Church. To this union two children were born, Christine and Voun. Soon after their marriage they ventured to California where he worked for a steel mill grinding steel. He eventually went to work for the Auto Club of Southern California until he was notified his father’s health was declining. The family made the move back to St. Ansgar to help on the family farm. Chuck farmed for several years until he followed his passion in the restaurant business. He first ran the Viking Restaurant in Northwood, Iowa, and eventually made the move to the Sportsmans in St. Ansgar. Chuck ran that business for 24 years until he turned it over to Voun and Chasity and began his retirement.

Chuck was a very family-oriented man and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. However, his family extended far beyond that because anyone who worked for him or had anything to do with him was like his family. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, and any sporting events that he could get in when they were not running the restaurant. Chuck really loved card games that he orchestrated at the restaurant, mainly because he was able to play and work all in the same spot.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Judith; daughter, Christine; son, Voun (Chasity), all of St. Ansgar; granddaughter, Courtney; grandsons, Joshua and Cody (Mikaela); great-grandsons, Brayton and Belamy; great-granddaughter, Lyla; several nieces and nephews; and many special people who also called him grandpa. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; brother, Axel “Skip”; sister, Judy “Cookie”; and a baby sister.

He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him. Chuck will be remembered for his compassion for all and for his famous fish batter which no one could duplicate.

The memorial service for Chuck will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar. The visitation will take place 9:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will take place at a later date. Hoff Celebrations – Schroeder Chapel of St. Ansgar is assisting the family with arrangements.