In the early morning of July 30, 2024, Ejner A Hansen passed away peacefully in his sleep due to acute heart failure. Ejner was in his favorite place, home, comforted by his family.
Ejner was born in the ranch home at Dell, Montana, on December 28, 1934. He was the fifth and youngest child of Danish immigrants, Amos and Anna Hansen, as well as their only son.
Ejner was a rancher from the day he was born until the day he passed. He was raised on his parents’ ranch alongside his four older sisters. Ejner often commented that being the only boy was a continuous struggle throughout his childhood, as his sisters would require at least four hours of playing dolls before they would agree to 20 minutes of playing trucks. He attended the one room schoolhouse in Dell from first to eighth grades, then graduated from Lima High School in 1952.
After completing high school, Ejner went to Bozeman to continue his education, but after one week, he knew that his passion did not lie in the classroom. A year later Ejner enlisted in the U.S. Army on his 19th birthday near the end of the Korean War. He was shipped to Korea and spent enough time aboard a boat for his entire life.
Ejner returned in 1955 and a few years later was introduced to his lifelong partner and love, Carla Andrus, at the Danish Christmas dance. They were married on June 10, 1963, in a double wedding with Carla’s sister Donna Andrus and her husband Tom Jones. A year later, Ejner and Carla welcomed their first son, Jerry, followed by three more sons, Keith, Russ, and Steve.
In 1991, Ejner and Carla moved across the state from Dell, Montana to Miles City where Ejner and his son, Jerry, built their new ranches from scratch. In the following years, Ejner became a grandfather of four granddaughters and one grandson.
As a father, Ejner was dedicated to attending his sons’ sporting events, a passion that only grew stronger when he became a grandfather. It is a well known fact that Ejner did not miss a single game, from high school football to 5th and 6th grade volleyball. He was his grandchildren’s number one fan, who always cheered on the teams with enthusiasm and was not afraid to loudly declare referees wrong.
In both his hometown of Beaverhead County and new home in Miles City, Ejner was sure to involve himself in the community and was always a person to rely on. In Miles City, Ejner was a dedicated member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was in attendance every week. Even with this dedication to community, nothing could compare to the love Ejner had for his family. Ejner spent 61 years with the love of his life, and together, they raised the family that he loved more than anything, the same family that will miss him everyday. Although those of us on Earth will mourn, Heaven’s “cowboy crew” has certainly gained another worthy member.
Ejner was preceded in death by: his father, Amos Hansen, mother, Anna Hansen, son, Jerry Hansen, and sisters, Astrid Hansen, Mary Jones, Anna Mayer, and Bernice Lowney. Ejner is survived by: his wife, Carla, sons, Keith (Dee), Russ (Jennifer), and Steve (Stacy) Hansen, daughter-in-law, Sheila Hansen, grandchildren, Annie, Avery, Hayes, Lewis, and Paige Hansen and numerous other friends and family members. He will be dearly missed by all.
Family will receive friends on Monday, August 5, 2024 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A Rosary and Vigil service will follow the visitation at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
If so desired, in lieu of gifts, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday August 5, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday August 5, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday August 6, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday August 5, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday August 5, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday August 6, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Gene and Connie Bankey says
God bless Carla and the your family. Ejner was a great person serving the Sacred Heart Parish and the Knights of Columbus and communities of Kinsey and the town of Miles City. Condolences and prayers for all.
Ben & Brenda Muggli says
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers ❤️
Martin and Dolores Steiner says
Carla and family. So sorry to hear about Ejner.. The Sacred Heart Parish will miss him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim Stanton says
Dear Carla, Sheila and Girls, and Family-
My heart is deeply saddened to read Ejner has passed. He was an exemplary human being in every way. He will be greatly missed by his family, our community, and the members of Sacred Heart Church. May the Holy Spirit, the divine comforter, bring you peace and sustenance as you cope with Ejner’s passing. “Eternal rest grant unto him, oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”
With prayerful condolences, Kim Stanton and family.
Vikki Bradley says
Carla. I am sorry to hear of your loss. He was such a wonderful man who’s faith and love for God and for you and Sheila and the girls were so strong. You all are in my prayers. God Bless.
Kim & David Beaner says
My deepest condolences. You and your family are in thoughts and prayers.
Linda Simonsen says
I am so sorry for your loss, Carla. Ejner was such a lovely man and so faithful and kind. Prayers for you and all your family.
MaryAnn Stoltz says
Sorry, to hear about the loss of your
Husband! God will help you and your family through this rough time!
George & Maggie Holom says
Carla and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. May Einar rest in Peace.
Brad and Sherri Henderson says
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cindy & Allen Kelm says
We are so sorry for your loss. Ejner was a wonderful & kind man who loved his family! Prayers of comfort for all of you. ❤️
Jerry and Gayle Struck says
Sorry to hear of Ejner’s passing. Enjoyed talking with him any time we would meet. A true gentleman, He will be missed.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Carla and Family, What a great man Ejner was. I served on the county FSA committee with him for three years. He knew so much about farming and ranching and always made the right decisions during the meetings. Always nice to see you are church on Saturday nights and you both took time to visit afterward. He will be missed. Carla, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lori Raisler says
Oh no! I’m so sorry to see this and grateful he had some sweet moments dancing with his granddaughters at Andrew and Carmella Helland’s wedding reception recently. God bless you, Carla, Shiela, Avery, Hayes and all. 💕💕💕
DALE E BARTA says
Carla and Family – I am so sorry to hear about Ejner. I really enjoyed working with Ejner and he was just such a nice guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Dee raisler says
Carla so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers to you and family
Denise Harvey says
What a wonderful man! I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you all! I so enjoyed our visits at Academic Olympics. He loved so deeply and was loved so deeply!
Dale & Ann Tribby says
Carla and family – We are so sorry to hear of Ejner’s passing. What a true gentleman. I so enjoyed the time I was able to spend with you both working at church related events. You just couldn’t help but love Ejner. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lynn Rae Ziebarth says
So sorry Carla. I didn’t know your husband,but he definitely was married to a great lady. Again so sorry
David & Danette Olguin says
Carla and family we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Linda Meidinger Meidinger says
Carla and family so sorry to hear of Einers oassubg, May your memories help you through this difficult time. Your in our thoughts and prayers at the time. May he rest in peace.
Joanne Richardson says
Carla and Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Ejner. He will be so missed at all the church services, evening potlucks and by his community of friends and family. May his deep faith and many cherished memories bring you much peace and healing during this difficult time. Remembering you and your family in prayer.
Lynnette Tubbs says
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I am very sorry for your loss.
Mary Ottoy says
I’m so sorry for your loss Carla and family. You’re in my thoughts and prayers
Candy and Bob Estill says
We so sad to hear about Ejner’s passing. Our prayers and wonderful memories will be with your family.
Meredith Hirsch says
So very sorry for your loss. May all the wonderful memories carry you through these difficult times. What an honor to have such a dedicated man in your lives, a man who placed God and family above all else. God bless you all.
Buhlers says
So sorry to hear of your loss. We remember good visits and your hard working family. Rulon and Pat🙏
Dell Kay Bertino says
Dearest Carla and family, I’m so sorry. I’m so glad to have spent time with him and Jerry learning so much about raising cattle. He also was the best makeup artist I’ve ever had😁❤️❤️🥰
Rick and Dee Abbott says
Carla and family….. you have our deepest sympathy. Either was truly one of the BEST…Hold to your memories…. we pray that God showers each of you with His comfort, peace and solace.
Alicia Velice says
I never got to meet Ejner, but i know my Mom loved him as did my grandparents Bob and Ida. I always loved hearing the story’s my mom would tell of visiting his ranch in Miles City. My Condolences to Carla, and the rest of the family. I send you all my love. And hope he is somewhere good drinking Scotch with my Grandparents and Mom.
Jane Viall says
Hansen family,
What a fine man Ejner was!! A very special addition to the Miles City community years ago. It’s so very sad to have him gone from this world, but so very good to know he is with his God and with his son, Jerry, after so many years. I pray for peace and the comfort only God can give for each of you.
Roxanne (Pope) Weber says
Carla and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories of all he was and stood for bring you peace and comfort.
Linda Moore says
Very sorry for the loss of Ejner. What a wonderful family he had. Blessings and take care. Linda Moore
Sandy Anderson says
Carla and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Your family has been such a blessing for our community!! May God bless you all is this time of sorrow. Sandy and Pat Andersonh
J.R. & Carol Bean says
Carla and family, I know you know how. Leased you were to have Ejner a special part of your life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the coming days.
Gladys Merrell says
So sorry to hear this. Take care and you and your family are in my prayers.
Bill & Betty Johnson says
so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts nd prayers are with you.
Jeri (Gosman) and Dwight Gosselin says
Dear Carla and Family. We are sorry to hear of your loss. We have many great memories of Ejner.
Conan Donnelly says
Carla and family I am very sorry to hear of Ejner’s passing he was good man. Prayers does your family.
Mike Probst says
Dear Ejner Hansen Family, sorry for your loss. Heaven gained a good honest hard working cowboy! He was such a great neighbor, always willing to help and give advice. We loved his boys and they were great kids and hard workers. Carla we always appreciated your kindness towards our family ❤️🍀
Steve and Jan Mock says
We were saddened to hear about Ejner’s passing. We have found memories of our times with him and the entire Hansen family during our years in Lima. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.