Allen Ross Hansen

Captain Allen Ross Hansen (USN-Retired, Naval Academy Class of 1973) passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Billings, Montana, doing the thing he loved most: exploring the world on his bicycle.

Allen was born in Sidney, Montana, on Dec. 14, 1950. He is survived by his wife, Suzi; sons Patrick (Cynthia) and Derek (Bonnie Alonzo-Hansen); brother Carl (Ginger Gier); sister Karen Elsen (Doug), and all their respective families. He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth; and parents Lt. Col. Christian A. and Marjorie K. Hansen. To his two granddaughters, Annika and Elisa, Allen will forever be known as the beloved “Frumpy.” His new grandson will honor his memory in name and spirit: Landyn Allen Alonzo-Hansen.

Students, families, faculty and staff knew Capt. Hansen over his 27-year career at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy as a Company Officer, Rugby Coach, Registrar, Vice President of Students Services, Vice President of Operations, and, in his lighter moments, “Dancin’ Al Hansen.” In the U.S. Naval Reserve, Capt. Hansen served as a P-3 TACCO (Tactical Coordinator) and as Commanding Officer of the VP-92 squadron at South Weymouth Naval Air Base in Massachusetts.

Allen was a man of deep faith, integrity and humility. He used his many talents in service to neighbors and family. In retirement, he became a Lay Pastor Associate in the Montana Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. His passion for prison ministry led him to volunteer as the Chairman of the Board of the Freedom in Christ program. Allen will be loved and missed by all at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Foxboro, Massachusetts, as well as Messiah Lutheran Church in Red Lodge, Montana, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Laurel, Montana.

Allen was also an accomplished woodworker and an aspiring cowboy poet. He served as a substitute teacher at Joliet High School for many years during his retirement in Montana.

Allen’s love for cycling was eclipsed only by his love for his beautiful, talented wife and “Rear Admiral,” Suzi. Together, they crossed the country on their tandem, completed 11 Pan-Mass Challenges, paraded as Grinches, performed tandem gospel storytelling, supported DAR events and celebrations (Allen was a HODAR: Husband of a Daughter of the American Revolution), and tore up the dance floor with everything from swing to Norwegian folk dance. Allen and Suzi met as teenagers at a Concordia German language camp in Minnesota and were married for over 50 years.

Allen will be missed by all his family and friends, as well as the thousands of lives he touched as an educator, officer and pastor. In his own words: “Peace, Saalam, Shalom, and Love.”

A memorial service is planned at Messiah Lutheran Church for 3 PM, Sunday Auggust 4, 912 Lower Continental Dr, Red Lodge, MT 59068. Burial will be in Yellowstone National Cemetery 11 AM, Monday August 5.

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Montana Synod Hunger Fund or Freedom in Christ Prison Ministry:

Montana Synod Hunger Fund

https://www.montanasynod.org/

1221 24th St. South, Great Falls, MT 59405-5034

Online, choose the “Montana Synod Hunger Fund” drop-down option on the Tithe.ly giving form and include “Allen Hansen Memorial” in the notes field

By mail, checks can be made out to “Montana Synod Hunger Fund” with “Allen Hansen Memorial” in the memo

Freedom in Christ Prison Ministry

https://www.ficprisonministry.com/

PO Box 617 Anaconda, Montana 59711

By mail, checks can be made out to “Freedom in Christ Prison Ministry” with “Allen Hansen Memorial” in the memo