Frieda Louise Hanssen
Pomeroy Resident | Age 105
November 29, 1919 – October 22, 2025
Frieda Louise Hanssen, born November 29, 1919, was the twelfth child of Henry and Ollie Buenting. At birth, the minister was called to baptize her as they feared she might not survive. But Frieda proved to be strong and full of life from the very beginning. She had 9 older brothers and two sisters. As well as a younger brother for a total of 13. Frieda lived on the family farm southwest of Pomeroy growing up and for most of her life, returning there after her marriage to Peter Hanssen.
Though Frieda had dreamed of becoming a nurse, she wasn’t able to finish high school—like many of her generation, she completed only through eighth grade. She helped farm the 160 acres and cared for her mother, Ollie, for 13 years following a stroke. Determined and curious, she later earned her GED and completed nurse’s aide training after her mother’s passing. She worked in the Pomeroy care center and later cared for her husband after his strokes.
Frieda was an active Christian who helped raise funds for the new St John’s Lutheran church, taught Sunday school, participated in Ladies Aid, sang in the choir, delivered meals on wheels, and went on a mission trip to Mississippi after Katrina. She and her husband read from the Bible and had devotions each night; she continued this practice all her life.
Frieda was a vital, energetic, hard-working woman who was happiest when she was busy. She loved baking, gardening, crocheting, sewing, embroidering, visiting friends (including those in the care center or ones who were ill). She enjoyed writing letters and staying in touch with friends and family. She fondly remembered picking corn by hand, milking cows on a one-legged stool, cleaning the separator, planting and harvesting potatoes, canning, making wine, and so much more. In her younger days she helped her father with willow baskets that would be given out as gifts.
Frieda was excited about trying new things and loved adventures—going up in a glider and taking a hot air balloon ride (at age 99). She enjoyed traveling—often visiting relatives but also to Germany, Hawaii, and Canada. She even went horseback riding with the family in Colorado (at age 91). Her vitality for life was an inspiration for many.
She married her sweetheart, Peter Frederick Hanssen, following World War II and they remained together until his passing almost 60years later. They had three children, RuthAnn (David Steuber), Alan, and Marian (Nick Poulson). They later were blessed with three grandsons, Dan (Lindsey), Marcus (Natalie), and Tony (Nichole). In later years Frieda was blessed with two great granddaughters, Annabelle and Olivia.
Frieda had a love for other people, demonstrated by the letters she wrote, the pies and angel food cakes that she baked, her joy in “visiting”, quilting with other ladies, etc. She loved her family and friends with her whole heart.
She lived nearly 106 years and will be remembered fondly and with love by many who knew her. She was called home to heaven on October 22, 2025. For years she had missed Peter who had left this world in 2005. We know they are together once more with Jesus.
At times Frieda spoke of wishing she could go on a mission trip to Africa. To honor her memory, in lieu of flowers, the family invites you to contribute to a well fund through Blessman International, providing clean water to vulnerable children and families in South Africa—an enduring reflection of Frieda’s compassionate heart.
Contributions can be sent to
Blessman International
Frieda Hanssen- Water Project
2557 106th Street
Urbandale, IA 50322
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/blessmanmemorial
A celebration of life will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Pomeroy on Saturday, November 22 at 11 am. The church will be open and the family will be present at 10am.