Thomas Hansen was born in Sjelborg, Denmark November 23, 1853, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Hansen. He lived his early life there, being educated in the schools of that country.

At the age of 17, he left Denmark, coming directly to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he made his home until death claimed him on Sunday, June 15, 1930, at 8:00 o’clock in the a.m.

He was a carpenter by trade and, from 1870 to 1880, he practiced that trade in Kenosha. In 1880, he created the funeral directing and furniture business in Kenosha; in 1892, he disposed of the furniture department of the business and confined himself to funeral directing. At the time, he was one of the oldest and best known funeral directors in the United States.

Form 1895 to 1899, he served two terms as county treasurer of Kenosha County and was also deputy treasurer for two terms. He was widely known for his generosity in various civic welfare projects in the many years of his business life.

Mr. Hansen was well known by reason of his fraternal associations. He was a member of the Odd Fellow order of Kenosha for 56 years and was a Past Noble Grand of Park City Lodge No. 103 of that order. He was one of the oldest members of the Kenosha Lodge #47 of Free and Accepted Masons. He was also the oldest Past High Priest of the Royal Arch and held many other offices in the Masonic Order. He was the first Mason among many in the Hansen family. He was also a member of the Eastern Star.

He was a member of the St. Matthew Episcopal Church and had served as a member of the vestry of that church. He was a devout Christian and an active member of the church for years.

On June 10, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Kreuscher of Kenosha. Elizabeth "Libby" was born in Germany on September 6, 1856 and came to America at the age of one with her parents, Jacob and Maria.

Mrs. Elizabeth Kreuscher Hansen passed away on May 2, 1929 just 13 months prior to her husband.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hansen were:

Elmer Hansen; Born 11/26/1882 Died 11/22/1977

John Mark Hansen; Born 9/21/1885 Died 1/2/1973

Edith Ingely Hansen; Born 6/24/1887 Died 12/22/1976

Alwen T. Hansen; Born 12/14/1888 Died 9/24/1975