Howard Dean Hansen, 76, died Wednesday, February 17, in Sioux Falls after a months-long illness.

Son of Howard and Evelyn Hansen of Pierre, Dean graduated Riggs High School after a successful sports career there, participating in football, basketball, and track. He was also a star rodeo contestant in saddle bronc and bull riding events. He has been a life-long rancher in the Big Bend area east of Pierre and has raised and raced thoroughbreds in South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, and in Canada. He was active in the SD Thoroughbred Association for over forty years and worked tirelessly to develop thoroughbred racing in the area.

Dean is survived by sister and nephew Donna and Kip Jensen of White River, sisters Carol (Clint ) Lowry of North Carolina, and Vicky (Gordon) Milbrandt of Washington; nephews Baine (Amy) Carruthers of South Carolina and Scott (Melony) Carruthers of South Carolina; nieces Paige Armstrong (Danny) and Julie Winchester (Roy) of South Carolina; cousins Pete (Ruth) Hansen and Dick (Judy) Hansen of the Big Bend area, Jon (Marilyn) Hansen of Minnesota, and devoted dog Sheppie, as well as long-time caregiver Tandy Holman .

Funeral arrangements pending.

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