Karla Hansen

Karla Marie Hansen, 68, passed away peacefully at home on August 25, 2021. She was born August 6, 1953 in Des Moines, IA to Marianne Myers and Keith McFadden. She is survived by her mother; two brothers, Kevin Thompson and Brian Thompson; and her two children, Heather Hansen and David Hansen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alan Hansen.

Karla graduated from Johnston High School and gained a Bachelors in Education from Iowa State University before joining the USPS where she worked her way up from mail carrier to post master and then regional director overseeing more than 100 postmasters in southern Iowa.

At age 40 she pursued her passion of helping others, gaining a Masters of Social work from the University of Iowa before starting her own practice as a licensed therapist and social worker. She showed many others how to live in the present moment and guided them to realizing how their thoughts can shape their own happiness.

Dedicating her life to peace and social justice, Karla was an activist, a protestor, and a board member of the Iowa Peacemakers Monument. She expressed herself creatively by composing poetry, producing a documentary featured at the NYC Peace Film Festival, and writing a children’s book that won the Mom’s Choice Award honoring excellence.

A celebration of Karla’s life and the love of her family and friends will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021 from 5-7 PM at the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge in West Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print