Percy Leroy Hansen, 92, of Piedmont, SD, passed peacefully on May 2, 2024, at Aspen Grove Assisted Living in Sturgis, SD.
Percy was born September 10,1931 in De Smet, SD, to Bert and Rita (McRoberts) Hansen. He was the 5th of 6 children.
When he was 9 months old his family moved to Newell, SD, where his Dad ran a fuel and gas delivery business. When Percy was 6 years old his family moved near Vale, SD and he attended the Empire School. When he was 10 years old his family moved to Benchmark in Lawrence County where he attended school with his dog, Pal. Pal went to school even when Percy didn’t. Percy met his lifelong friend Jerry Carter and they graduated from the Lead High School together,
In 1951 Percy was drafted into the Army Air Corps and was sent to Korea were he honorably served for 2 years. After coming home from Korea, he purchased the Spearfish Taxi Service and ran it for a few years before giving it to his father Bert. Percy then developed a love for operating heavy equipment, working with his brother-in-law, Pat Mclaughlin and others. Percy met his wife Carolyn Ladson while working around the Spearfish area. They were married May 7, 1960 in Deadwood, SD. On December 27, 1960 they welcomed their first daughter Cindy Lou. On November 6, 1962 their second daughter Lanette LaRay was born. Due to the seasonal construction work schedule and for betterment of his family Percy took a job at Fort Meade VA where he worked until he retired in 1989 after 30 years. In 1963 Percy and Carolyn moved to Rapid Valley where over the years Percy had a few side businesses; growing produce for local Grocery Stores and owning rental properties, as well as maintaining his job at Fort Meade VA. In 1980 Percy and Carolyn Purchased what became known as Carol’s Slash J in Piedmont, SD and moved to Piedmont. Percy was very active in the Piedmont community; he was a charter member of the American Legion Post 311 and a volunteer fireman. Percy continued to do backhoe and excavation work well into 80’s working and meeting many friends in the area.
At the age of 91 he decided to relax a little and moved to Aspen Grove Assisted Living in Sturgis where to his surprise there were old work friends to greet him and new friends to share stories with.
Percy is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Carolyn; his parents, one brother, four sisters, numerous brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, nieces and nephews.
He is survived by daughters, Cindy Hansen of Piedmont, SD, Lanette (Kevin) Vote of Vale, SD; grandson, Craig (Kari) Vote, Denver, CO; brother-in-law, John Ladson, Spearfish, SD; Very Special Pal, Ruby the Yorkie, and some special nieces and nephews.
Very special thanks to staff at Aspen Grove Assisted Living in Sturgis.
Graveside services, with military honors, will be held Friday, May 10, 2024, 11:30 a.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
