Thomas Frederick Hansen, 78, of North Platte, Nebraska passed away October 11, 2025 in North Platte. He was born on November 8, 1946 to Wesley F. and Barbara (Smith) Hansen in North Platte.
Tom was raised on the Hansen 77 Ranch north of North Platte. He graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1965. During his high school years, he was involved in a variety of activities including his student council and served as the President of the FFA Chapter. After graduation he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. He was a member of Farmhouse Fraternity. Tom was united in marriage to Linda Lincoln on June 3, 1967 at the First Christian Church in North Platte. The couple moved back to the family ranch where they spent their lives together. Tom dedicated his life to conserving natural resources, nurturing the grazing lands of the ranch, improving the cattle the family raised. Tom had a sincere commitment to the beef industry and his community. He was a member of the Lincoln County Cattlemen and Nebraska Cattlemen. He served as President of the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association. Tom, Linda, and their family hosted the 1995 Cattle Baron’s Ball at the ranch to raise money for cancer research. In 2015, he was inducted into the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Hall of Fame. For many years, Tom served on the Twin Platte Natural Resources District Board, the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation Board, the NebraskaLand Days Board, as well as the church council for the Messiah Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the North Platte Rotary Club. Tom was elected by his community to represent them as their State Senator in the Nebraska Legislature from 2007-2015. While in office, he earned the reputation of someone who would work across party lines to serve his fellow Nebraskans.
Tom loved his family deeply. In his later years, nothing brought a smile to his face and a light to his eyes more than seeing his family when they would visit. Tom had a quick smile, a keen wit, and loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family at Lake Maloney and golfing when he could. He also loved cheering for the Huskers and Bulldogs. Tom had a creative side not everyone saw, but he loved photography and turning things he found on the ranch into something special. Tom exemplified the term “servant leader” and will be remembered that way by his family. Linda was proud to be his wife and to stand by his side for so many years.
Tom is survived by his wife, Linda of 58 years, North Platte; two sons, Marshall (Heidi) Hansen, Omaha, Eric (Jill) Hansen, North Platte; grandchildren, Ryan (Haley) Hansen, Eagle Mountain, Utah, Lincoln (Mandy) Hansen, Omaha, Chloe Bitney, Omaha, Grace Bitney, Omaha, Morgan (Shane) Watteyne, Lincoln, Kaitlyn (Noah) Limbach, Kearney, Emily Hansen, North Platte, Kinsley Hansen, North Platte; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Brooks, Bryce, Caleb, Beckett; siblings, Pamela (Alan) Short, North Platte; brother-in-law, Kip Jorgenson, Hershey, sister-in-law Janice (Bob) Lutz, Arcadia; along with numerous other family members and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Wesley F. and Barbara Hansen, and sister, Mary Ann Jorgenson.
Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Online condolences and live streaming of the service can be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
To honor Tom and his family, please wear your western attire for the funeral services.
Memorial services will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Patrick Sipes officiating. Burial at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 12 – 6, Friday, with family receiving friends from 4-6 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home who is assisting the family.