Bel Dawson Hansen

Bel D. Hansen
(Mrs. H.W.)
Appleton

Age 99, died Saturday August 31, 2002 at Peabody Manor. Bel was born on August 26, 1903 to the late Benson and Isabel (Culbertson) Dawson in New London. She married Harold W. Hansen on April 15, 1930, he preceded her in death in 1944. Bel, a graduate of New London High School and Lawrence University was a teacher in Crandon and Rice Lake. She then served as director of attendance for the Appleton City School System for 18 years, retiring in 1969. Bel was a 50 year member of First United Methodist Church in Appleton, an 82 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and past Matron. She was a 26 year member of Altrusa International and a member of the Wesleyan Service Guild and served as a past president for both organizations. Bel was also a member of the Wisconsin and National Retired Teachers Association. She was an avid supporter and member of the Outagamie Historical Society, being a direct descendent of one of the first families to settle in the Fox River Valley. Her grandparents came to Wisconsin in the 1840’s.
She is survived by her son, Harold T. (Phyllis A.) Hansen, Hendersonville, North Carolina; her daughter, Joan (Roger) Frey, Knoxville, Tennessee; ten grandchildren, Terry (Robert) Crabb, Menlo Park, California; David (Jan) Frey, Knoxville, Tennessee; Christy (Don) Martin, Charlotte, North Carolina; Karen (Lee) Davies, Nashville, Tennessee; Erik Hansen, Hayward, Wisconsin; Kristen (Larry) Mougeott, Little Rock, Arkansas; Jon (Sarah) Hansen, Eden Prairie, Minnesota; George “Tyler” Hansen, Burbank, California; Margaret (David) Pelfrey, Birmingham, Alabama; Steven Hansen, Birmingham, Alabama and nine great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Elizabeth Stout; her son, Dawson “Rusty” Hansen and her sister, Rachel Thomas.
A memorial service will be 1:00 PM on Wednesday, October 23, 2002 at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 325 East Franklin Street, Appleton with Rev. Kent Ingram officiating.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhome.com