John Christian Hansen, aged 85, passed away on July 1, 2026 in Spokane, Washington. He was born on February 17, 1941 in Spokane, Washington to Catherine Davey Lane and LaVerne Christian Hansen. He grew up on Wild Rose Prairie when his mother married his step-father David Lane.

He graduated from Deer Park High School in 1959 and from Washington State University in 1964 in elementary education. He went on to get a master’s degree from Seattle University in Education Administration. He taught upper elementary school, was a school librarian, and an elementary school principal. John attended a lay ministry certification program in Mequon, Wisconsin for one year and served as a lay minister in a church in Monona, Wisconsin. In their mid-fifties, John and Joanne left for missionary work in Ivory Coast, West Africa. They served there for 8 years where John taught the mostly young pastors in small villages. He loved teaching these eager students who often walked or biked many miles to attend the classes.

In their retirement years John and Joanne loved to go in their RV to various campgrounds or on longer trips. They enjoyed a few years wintering in Yuma, Arizona. John enjoyed gardening especially growing blueberries. He liked to try his hand at woodworking and fixing things around the house.

John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joanne, four children: James Hansen [Ann], Teresa Hansen [Bob], Kelsey Anderson and Christian Hansen [Marnie]. He is survived by 9 grandchildren: Michael Nelson, Katie Rector [Collin], Kellie Morrison [John], Samuel Hansen, Madeline Anderson, Hogan Hansen, Laine Anderson, Adam Hansen, and Grace Hansen, and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brother Ron Lane [Connie], and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, older sisters Beverly Losh and Barbara Herigstad and grandson Benjamin Hansen.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on August 8 at 1 pm at Northview Bible Church, 13521 N. Mill Rd. Spokane, WA 99208