ESBEN HANSEN, 80, a former Sedro-Woolley resident passed away on Friday August 19, 2005 in Everett, WA, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on June 22, 1925 in Gassum, Denmark, the second oldest of eleven children of Lars & Bertha Hansen.
Esben started baking at the age of 14, baking until he was called to serve in the Danish Army during WW II.
In 1952 he and his brother, Ove immigrated to Canada. In 1955 he was united in marriage to Karen Nielsen in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and they soon after moved to Bellingham, Washington. In 1961, along with their 3 children they moved to Sedro-Woolley where Esben purchased the Sedro-Woolley Bakery, which he operated for many years. He baked wonderful Danish pastries and breads for the community for many years until his retirement. In 2002 Esben & Karen moved to Washington Oaks in Everett.
Esben was blessed with many friends and well liked throughout the community.
He was a member of and past commander of the George Baldridge Post 43, American Legion; he also belonged to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Danish Brotherhood, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club.
Esben was preceded in death by his parents, Lars and Bertha, 2 brothers, Ove & Peter and 2 sisters, Tova & Anna.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen. His children and their spouses, Connie & Jerry Compean, Dean & Dena Hansen and Susan & Mike Schuetze. 7 grandchildren, Kortney, Brandon, Craig, Adam, Leslie, Lindsay and Melissa and 2 great-grandchildren, Skylan & Olivia. 1 brother, Knud and 5 sisters, Esther, Karen, Elsie, Klara & Eva.
Esben’s family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Daniel Goodman & Dr. David Stoller for the outstanding care given to Esben, and also to Pastor Walt Rice & Pastor Roiko for their support & prayers.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.
Graveside Inurnment services with military honors will be held at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery on Tuesday August 30, 2005 at 2:00 pm followed by a memorial service at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 3:00 pm with Pastor Walt Rice officiating. Local arrangements under direction of Lemley Chapel.