Harley James Hansen, 78, of Redfield, SD, died Sunday, October 16, 2011 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield of Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis (ALS-Lou Gehrig's disease). His funeral will be Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Redfield. Reverend Brian Wasmoen will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield, with military rites. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1-8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. and the family present starting at 6:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Harley's family would prefer memorials that will be directed to the ALS association. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Harley was born March 8, 1933 in Aberdeen, SD to Milton and Violet (Walberg) Hansen. He grew up in the Redfield area and graduated from Redfield High School in 1951. Harley served in the United States Marine Corp from 1953-1955. After his honorable discharge, he graduated from University of South Dakota with a Business Degree. Harley and Connie Torgrude were married in Arlington, SD on September 9, 1956. Harley joined his father at Hansen Motor Company in Redfield in 1958. Harley worked with his father and later his brother Jerry selling vehicles until 2007 when he retired.

Harley enjoyed all outdoor activities including early morning walks, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and all sporting events. He especially enjoyed following his children's and grandchildren's activities.

He was a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Kiwanis, Clay Kiser American Legion Post #92, Paul A. Schleher VFW Post #2755, Jaycees, SD Auto Dealers Association and the Redfield Chamber of Commerce.

Harley is survived by his wife Connie of Redfield; his children: Kevin Hansen of Redfield and his children: Travis and Tyler; Kyle (Shelley) Hansen of Mendota, Heights, MN and their children: Tori Hansen, Rachel, Billy, Michael and Jacob Olson; and Karen (Greg) Schumacher of Rapid City, SD and their children: Jordan, Jeremy and Joshua. He is also survived by his brothers: Don (Shirley) Hansen of Big Sky, MT and Jerry (Angie) Hansen of Redfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents.