Vivian Rae Hanson

Vivan "Rae" Hanson, age 68, of Honolulu, Hawaii, died Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester, MN.Rae was born on April 26, 1942 to Floyd and Joyce (Strandin) Hanson. On August 23rd, 1980 in Hanalei Bay, Kauai, she and John "Jack" P. Keppeler were joined in marriage surrounded by their families and a host of friends. Rae graduated from St Francis High School in 1960. She moved to Sun Valley, California immediately following graduation where she worked as a secretary until relocating to Honolulu, Hawaii in September of 1963 where she pursued a degree in teaching at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu. Upon graduation Rae accepted a special education teaching position in Kaneohe, Hawaii at Kailua Senior High and obtained her Masters' Degree from the University of Hawaii. Throughout her career as an educator, Rae taught the disabled and disadvantaged in Hawaii, Jamaica, Africa, and the South Pacific Rim. She was instrumental in educating teachers 'how to' teach the disabled children in the communities and villages where she worked as well as organizing and developing small business ventures for women in these areas to provide incomes for their families. Rae was a gourmet cook, hosting interesting and lively groups in the home she and Jack shared in Pacific Heights, Honolulu. These gatherings were always enhanced by Rae's beloved Hawaiian music which was often provided by their guests. Rae was a devoted swimmer and enjoyed yoga and hula. She was very active in their church home, Kaumakapili United Congregational Church. Rae was and will continue to be an inspiration to all her knew her. Rae is survived by her husband, Jack, of Honolulu, Hawaii, one brother, Greg (Laurie) Hanson; one sister, Virginia "Ginger" Taff-Lagergren; three nephews, Jonas Hanson and Tony and Jeremy Taff; and one niece, Tanja Taff-Morello. She was preceded in death by her parents. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 869 7th Ave SE, with Rev. James Heining officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Services will also be held on Dec. 11 at the Kaumakapili United Congregational Church in Hawaii. In lieu of flowers the family have requested memorials be directed to them for Ginger Taff-Lagergren's missionary work with women and children in Uganda as a means to carry on Rae's legacy of educating the disadvantaged throughout the world; LCMS World Mission for Ginger Taff-Lagergren, PO Box 790089, St. Louis, MO 63179-0089