Jeannette Marie Hansen

Jeannette Marie Hansen Jeannette Marie Hansen came into the world in the ordinary way on December 7, 1952, but her life would prove to be extraordinary. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Donald and Dorothy Michalske and was the second of seven children: Donna, Jeannette, Gary, Greg, Jeff, Anita, and Rose.

 As a young girl, Jeannette enjoyed playing Snake Eyes with her Grandma May, spending summer vacations at Grandma Michalske's home and in Port Clinton, and celebrating holidays with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. These happy childhood memories remained dear to her throughout her life. Her heart's desire was always to be a wife, and a mother of many children.

 During her mid-teens, Jeannette was suddenly struck down by a mysterious illness. She became so weak that she was unable to walk on her own. Doctors eventually discovered she had Wilson's disease, a rare inherited genetic disorder that prevents the body from removing excess copper. The disease left her so weak she could barely speak. Her younger sisters, Rose and Anita, learned sign language so they could communicate with her. 

Her young life became filled with doctor visits, blood draws, and the daily challenges of living with a lifelong illness. She was told she would need medication for the rest of her life if she hoped to survive and live anything close to a normal life. Yet this diagnosis did not define her. As the toxic copper was gradually removed from her body, she steadily regained her strength. Through determination and perseverance, she graduated from high school as valedictorian.

 After graduation, Jeannette went to work at Smith & Wesson in Rock Creek, Ohio. It was there that a shy, long-haired young man named Darrell Hansen caught her eye. She often joked that it was Darrell's long hair that first attracted her to him. Though they were complete opposites in many ways, they fell deeply in love and were married on April 16, 1977.

 As newlyweds, Darrell and Jeannette were happy together, but they knew something was missing. They eventually began attending church, where they heard the Gospel. It was there that Jeannette placed her faith in Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. For an entire year she faithfully prayed for Darrell to come to know the Lord. Though he was initially resistant, after the birth of their first son, Timothy, in 1979, Darrell also trusted Christ as his Savior. Their lives were forever changed. They welcomed four additional children while living in Ohio; Stephen, Apryl, Autumn, and Philip.

 Shortly after his salvation, Darrell surrendered to God's call to preach. Together they served at Fundamental Baptist Church in Dorset, Ohio, before moving to Virginia to minister at Good News Baptist Church. God gave them two more children; Peter and Amber. While living there, God called Darrell to plant a church in the West. Jeannette wholeheartedly trusted the Lord and willingly followed wherever He led her family.

 With seven children, a Chow Chow, and all their belongings packed into a station wagon, they headed west. God led them to Vale, Oregon, where Darrell founded Bully Creek Baptist Church. It was there they welcomed Paul, a micro-preemie, into their family. Life was often difficult and unpredictable on one income while Darrell planted a church and worked full-time. Jeannette's dream had come true, she was a wife, and a mother of many children whom she educated, chauffeured, fed, clothed, and loved unconditionally. She was always looking out for the needs of those around her, Darrell would joke she was too helpful. She was never her first priority, it was always others. Darrell and Jeannette faced financial and medical struggles together as a team, trusting God that He had them where He wanted, and that He would provide. God faithfully provided for every need. In time, the Lord blessed them with a church building, and Oregon Trail Baptist Church was established.

 Doctors had advised Jeannette not to have any more children after the birth of her third child. Yet by God's grace, she became the mother of eight children and also conceived one precious child who she is now reunited with in Heaven. She was also told she would not live beyond the age of fifty, but time and again God graciously carried her through trials that seemed impossible to overcome. 

The Wilson's disease was always there, a silent enemy working against her. The copper was never fully removed even though she was on medication to do that. The buildup over time led to neurological damage that affected how she walked and talked. People would stare at her, and she had trouble being understood by those who weren't close to her. Watching her endure the illness and struggle for years, Darrell was inspired to write Jeannette's Song, a song chronicling her everyday battle and her sweet spirit throughout. Some of the lyrics go “Struggling, against all odds, don't you think she knows, she is not like others. Don't you think she knows, how some stare and others laugh, don't you think she knows, although it never shows...Often in this life, things don't seem fair, but in the world to come, another angel will be there...” Jeannette endured a stroke in 2005, from which she almost completely recovered. The stroke weakened her ability to swallow and led to many years of recurrent aspiration pneumonia. She later suffered fractures to both hips, underwent open-heart surgery along with several other heart procedures, and, in her final year, broke her wrist. Her life was marked by suffering from an early age. 

Yet anyone who knew Jeannette would tell you that suffering never made her bitter. Instead, it made her more like Christ. She was one of the most giving, cheerful, humble, selfless, and uncomplaining people you could ever meet. She quietly pointed others to the Lord through both her words and her example. Her unwavering faith, gentle spirit, and steadfast trust in God left an eternal impact on countless lives.

 In 2024, Jeannette suddenly lost her beloved husband, Darrell. Life became even more difficult. Not only was her body worn and weary, but her heart was broken as well. Even so, she pressed on. She often said she loved her family too much to quit.

 On July 9, 2026, Jeannette was admitted to the hospital for the final time. This stay would be different. She would not return to her cozy home in Vale. Instead, she would be welcomed into her eternal home, reunited with loved ones who had gone before her. Even in her final days of suffering, not one complaint passed her lips. She endured with patience, courage, and complete trust in the One who gives life. 

On July 23, 2026, Jeannette peacefully breathed her last breath on this earth and opened her eyes in the presence of her Heavenly Father. We can only imagine hearing those precious words:

 "Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

Jeannette was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Dorothy Michalske; her beloved husband, Darrell Hansen; her brother, Greg Michalske; and one precious unborn child. 

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Tim (Rosella) Hansen, Stephen (Jen) Hansen, Apryl (Jarred) Lammers, Autumn (Phong) Tran, Philip (Posey) Hansen, Peter (Sylvia) Hansen, Amber (Matthew) Eicher, and Paul Hansen. She is also survived by her sisters, Donna, Rose, and Anita; her brothers, Gary and Jeff; 30 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

 Though our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice in the assurance that she is whole, healed, and forever with her Savior. Her life was a testimony of God's grace, faithfulness, and sustaining power.

 Until we meet again.

 Her memorial service will be held on August 13th at Oregon Trail Baptist Church (575 B Street West, Vale, Oregon). Viewing will start at 9:30 am, and the service will start at 11 am. Following the service, guests may proceed directly to the reception, or accompany the family to the graveside and join the reception after.