Phil Hansen (politician)

Rev. Philip L. Hansen died peacefully at his home in rural Onamia amid family members Sunday, Jan. 14, 2001, following a 10-year struggle with cancer.

He was born July 2, 1927 to the Rev. Harold and Ellen (Peterson) Hansen in Bismarck, N.D. He graduated from Milaca High School in 1945 and immediately entered the U.S. Navy where he served in the South Pacific until his discharge in July of 1946.

He graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Luther College in 1949 and in 1952 he graduated from Luther Theological Seminary. Phil was ordained by the American Lutheran Church in 1952. Phil married Shirley Peterson in 1950 and together they served three Lutheran parishes: Rake, Iowa, Preston, Minn., and White Bear Lake, Minn., where Phil began Redeemer Lutheran Church as a home mission church.

Phil's conviction that alcoholism as a family disease led to the development of Minnesotaís first family treatment center at Northwestern Abbott Hospital where he was executive director from 1970-1985.

Phil was instrumental in creating the landmark legislation which led to the existence of detoxification services in every county in Minnesota. The recipient of various distinguished service awards and board appointment, Phil served on the National Council on Alcohol and [...] Abuse for five years. He authored three books on alcoholism, including "Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired." In 1972, Phil was the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate race.

Phil was a lifelong tree farmer, planting many acres of pine trees.

Phil is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Susan (Ivan) Fossen of Glenwood; son, Mark (Wendy) Hansen of Grand Marais; grandsons, Daniel Hansen and Philip Fossen; granddaughter, Sarah Fossen; brother, Paul (Rosalie) Hansen of White Bear Lake; and sister, Marian (Rudy) Majerle of Milaca.