Larry Hansen

Larry Donald Hansen, 72, of Idaho Falls passed away on July 18, 2025 at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center due to natural causes. His wife of more than 40 years, Cristine, was at his bedside at his passing. Larry was born in Arco, Idaho on November 14, 1952 to Dale and Joan Hansen of Howe, Idaho. Larry was raised on the family farm five miles north of Howe and their ranch on the divide between the Little Lost and the Pahsimeroi River valleys.

Larry attended Butte County schools in Howe and Arco up through the 11th grade when the family moved to Idaho Falls due to his mother’s declining health. Shortly after his 18th birthday in the fall of 1970, Larry withdrew from high school and enlisted in the Army. He completed basic training at Fort Lewis Washington and AIT at Fort Ord California. After completing his training, Larry was sent to Germany to serve as a truck driver. Within about six months his service was changed to Vietnam. He soon found himself in South Vietnam driving truck in supply convoys to the many firebases. His time in Vietnam was not without its consequences, some of which plagued him until his recent passing. Larry was honorably discharged from the Army in 1973. While in the Army he completed his GED. He was very proud of this accomplishment.

Following his discharge from the Army, Larry worked at various retail business ventures and, for a time, as a carpenter.

On October 22, 1980 Larry married the love of his life, Cristine Hays. Together they had one daughter, Maren, and from Cristine’s previous marriage, another daughter, Emily.

For a time, Larry and Cristine owned and operated a grill & pub in Cascade, Idaho. However, for the last twenty years of his working life, Larry went back to what the Army had trained him to do, driving truck. He drove long haul from coast to coast in the United States. He logged over three million accident-free miles.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Joan Hansen. He is survived by his wife Cristine, daughter Maren Hansen (Joe), grand children, Ayra and Loch, step-daughter Emily Hays, brother John Hansen (Debi) as well as a number of cousins.

Following cremation, a private ceremony will be held to scatter Larry’s ashes on the divide between the Little Lost and Pahsimeroi River valleys.