Dorene J. Hanssen

Dorene J. Hanssen, age 84 of Sioux Falls, SD passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.  Her Funeral Service will be at 1:00 PM Friday, October 4, 2024, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls.  Visitation will begin an hour prior to her funeral at the funeral home.  Interment will follow at Hills of Rest Cemetery, Sioux Falls.  

Dorene Joan Heidinger was born on May 31, 1940, in Mitchell, SD to John Heidinger and Neola (Hubert) Curliss.  She attended Mitchell High School.  On June 22, 1958, she married Delayne Hanssen at the United Methodist Church in Mitchell, SD. They moved to Sioux Falls in the early 60s, where they built a loving home and raised their family.

Dorene was a devoted mother to her three boys and daughter, whom she raised with love and care. During the week, while her husband traveled for work, Dorene became known as the friendly Avon lady in the neighborhood, going door to door selling Avon and brightening the days of those she visited. She had a passion for beautiful things, always impeccably dressed with her hair done and makeup on. Dorene adored shopping and had a fondness for porcelain dolls and crafty décor, often attending craft shows to indulge her interests.

In her later years, Dorene worked at Michaels and Burkes selling women's and children's clothing and at Brown Drug in the prescription department. When Delayne fell ill, she retired to care for him, a testament to her unwavering dedication to her family. Later on, she returned to work part-time at Younkers, finding joy in being around the things and people she loved.

Dorene cherished her role as a big sister to her beloved sister Darlene, whom she spoke to every week and held dear to her heart. Dorene and Delayne were active members of the United Methodist Church, where they rarely missed a Sunday. They were devoted to their faith and were involved in teaching Sunday school, ushering, and choir singing. Sundays were especially cherished, as they hosted their children for Sunday night suppers whenever possible.

Dorene had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren, carrying their pictures and delighting in talking about them with everyone she met. She adored their visits and the special snacks they brought her when she was housebound. Known affectionately as the "card lady," Dorene had a passion for sending and receiving cards, touching the lives of many with her thoughtful gestures.

Grateful for having shared her life are her sons, Rick (Julie) Hanssen of Sioux Falls, Jeff (Darcie) Hanssen of Sioux Falls, SD, and Brad (Brenda) Hanssen of Brandon, SD; her daughter, Gina Wiseman of Eugene, OR; nine grandchildren, Casey Highstrom, Jordan Hanssen, Dustin (Mackenzie) Hanssen, Callie (Nate) Kirby, Catie (Austin) Wohlwend, Alexa Hanssen, Ross Steffan, Alex (Courtney) Steffan, and Preston Hanssen; two step-grandchildren, Tera (Kyle) Bibby and Lacy Bradley; ten great-grandchildren; her sister, Darlene (Deone) Hart of Mitchell, SD; special friend, Laura Bayer of Sioux Falls, SD; and a host of many other relatives and friends.  

Dorene was preceded in death by her parents, John Heidinger and Neola Curliss; husband, Delayne Hanssen in 1994; and brother, Gerald Curliss.