Michael "Mike" Allan Hansen was born on May 13, 1974, in Moorhead, Minnesota, to Keith and Julie (Aakre) Hansen. He died January 3, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND.

Mike grew up in rural Hawley and graduated from Hawley High School in 1992. After high school, he worked Road construction for several different companies with the last 15 years with Border States Paving.

Mike was a confirmed member of Rollag Lutheran Church and an active member with Western Minnesota Steam Threshers reunion.

Known for his incredible work ethic, Mike was a very hard worker who often logged 60-70 hours a week - considering it a "light week" when he worked only 40-50. In his spare time, he could usually be found helping others with a project or dreaming up a new one of his own. Although he was a dedicated employee, his family and friends were always his top priority. Mike would do anything for anyone, especially for his family—which, as he liked to joke, was about half of Clay County.

In 2017, Mike met the love of his life, Jolene Gust. After two years, he convinced her to marry him on December 17, 2019. Having a family of his own had always been a dream for Mike, and through his marriage to Jolene he was blessed with a bonus son, Carter. The bond they shared was incredibly special. They loved spending time together-playing games, cheering on the Vikings, traveling, or simply watching movies.

Taking care of others was always a top priority for Mike. He often lent an ear, gave the best hugs, or an extra hand whenever it was needed. On weekends, Mike enjoyed spending time camping at the lake, working on genealogy and family connections. He was a fabulous uncle and rarely turned down the chance to play games.

In 2022 Mike, with the help of his dad, designed and built a home on his great grandfather’s land. Together with Jolene, they made it a warm and welcoming home.

Often found wearing his overalls, Mike was known as a true problem-solver. Right up until the end of his life, his positive outlook never wavered. He fought hard until the end and continued to care deeply about others.

He is survived by his wife Jolene, son Carter, parents Keith and Julie Hansen, mother-in-law Linda Gust, sister Becci (Wes) Dunham all from Hawley; brother-in-law, Chris Gust of Eugene, OR, and sister-in-law Leah (Darcy) Lundberg of Moorhead, MN, nieces and nephews, Wyatt (Hailey), Avery, Owen Dunham, Aaron (Mackenzie) and Hannah Gust, Olivia, Madelyn and Brayden Lundberg, and a great-nephew Waylon Dunham, as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charley and Aagot Hansen, and Robert and Ardis Aakre.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Mike’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude for your thoughtful gestures of sympathy and friendship. In lieu of Thank You notes, the family will be making a donation to Roger Maris Cancer Center.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 4:00 at Rollag Lutheran Church, Rollag, MN.

Visitation will continue Monday, January 12, at 1:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life with Livestream at 2:00 p.m. at the church.