Kel Christian Hansen

Kel Christian Hansen, 51 survived a massive heart attack in April 2020, and recently learned he had cancer. During his cancer treatments his heart was not strong enough and he suffered another heart attack. Unable to finish the treatment, he went home to be with his family and live out his remaining days with family and friends. Kel passed on July 25, 2022 at home in Woods Bay with family by his side. Kel was born in Great Falls, MT to Laila Hansen. He was an only child and spent many summers in Fort Benton and Loma on the family farm with his grandmother and a slew of cousins but resided in Bigfork where he attended public schools. He had a love for the mountains and fishing. He spent many summers as he was older exploring and hiking the area and spent even more time on Flathead Lake learning the tips and tricks to great fishing from his uncle. As an adult his love for the mountains and the beauty of the rock formations inspired him to start KC Masonry which he did for several years. He has done many beautiful fireplaces and rockwork through the valley both on his own and most recently with his good friend Bodie with BNB Masonry until his heart attack forced his retirement in 2020. Kel had many other adventures like driving trucks in the oil fields in North Dakota and working in Alaska during the Salmon seasons. His biggest adventure, besides his two daughters, was his 1970 Chevy truck, which he was able to complete a couple months prior to his passing. Although a bit crude at times, he was the kindest man with the biggest heart, never to complain about anything. When asked how he was doing his reply was always “never better.” Kel was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Oswald “Ozzie” Hansen and Susie and Ernie Soma, his step-father Kenny Rodler, uncles Darrell Hansen and Lennart Nielsen, and one cousin Lennie Hansen. He leaves behind his mother Laila Rodler of Coos Bay, OR, daughter Alexis Deetz and her husband Keith of Kalispell, daughter Skylar Hansen of Bigfork, aunt Ibbi Trainer of Woods Bay who was like a second mother to him, step sister Krista Rodler of Kalispell, granddaughter Hailey Deetz, an unborn grandson baby Deetz, and a whole host of cousins and friends. His good friend had said “Kel, had the biggest heart anyone, and he gave it all away.” Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.