Death of Sidney Lorenzo Hansen

Portion of Sidney's Death Certificate

The events surrounding the death of John and Alice Hansen's son Sidney Lorenzo Hansen have for many years been a topic rarely discussed.  In the rare case when it was discuss there have been several different versions of the events surrounding his death. Many family members who were close to Sidney believe his death was an accident while on his death certificate it indicates the injuries were self inflicted. In either case, it was a tragic end to his life which left a wife and ten children and ultimately changed their lives forever.

The following is a transcription of an article which appeared the day after Sidney's death in the Idaho Falls Post Register on May 3, 1947.  The article provides additional details surrounding the events leading up to the death of Sidney Lorenzo Hansen as well as insight into his life and family.

Sidney L. Hansen, Farmer, Dies From Rifle Shot

Bonneville county law enforcement officers Saturday were investigating the death of Sidney Lorenzo Hansen, 57, father of 10 children, who died from a heavy caliber (.8 mm) file shot Friday afternoon.

The shot entered from under the chin and ranged upward, leaving from the top of the head, Sheriff Dean F. Wilkie said. The rifle was found lying on the body.

Coroner Leo Williams said no inquest is planned.

Sheriff Wilkie said the body was discovered by Mrs. Hansen in the garage near their home on 1293 South Boulevard. The sheriff said Mrs. Hansen told him her husband had suffered two strokes during the past year and was in extremely ill health. He was under the care of a physician at the time of his death.

He was born in Bloomington, Idaho, April 7, 1890, the son of John and Alice Bateman Hansen. In 1898 the family moved to Taylor, Idaho where he later net Nettie Lords of Taylor. They were married November 12, 1913, in the LDS temple at Salt Lake City.

Two children were born to them but died, along with the mother, a short time later. He later married Maudie Miller of Taylor December 8, 1917, and to them 16 children were born, 10 of whom survive.

He was engaged in farming at Taylor until two years ago when he retired and moved to Idaho Falls.

Besides his widow the following sons and daughters survive: DeVere and Lyle Hansen, Moore, Idaho; Darwin Hansen, Mrs. Nina Mitchell, Marene, LaRea, DelMar, Delane, LaNeal and Val Hansen, all of Idaho Falls.

The following brothers and sisters also survive: Lawrence Hansen, Mrs. Ellen Lords, Mrs. Margery Bingham and Mrs. Velma Eckersley all of Idaho Falls; Mrs. Esther Ashmen, San Bernardino, Calif.; Mrs. Caroline Galloway, Nampa, Idaho and Chester O. Hansen, Taylor. His mother, Mrs. Alice Hansen, and three grandchildren, Idaho Falls, also survive.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Taylor LDS church with Bishop Arthur D. Thompson officiating. Burial will be at the Taylor cemetery under direction of the Williams Funeral home. The body will be at the Williams Funeral home until time of the service

Sidney Lorenzo Hansen