RAPID CITY - April 14, 2008 was the day that Neil. R. "Monk" Hansen was taken to join his predeceased parents and brother. Monk died at a Rapid City nursing home after 30 years of valiant struggles from many illnesses. He was born on Oct. 25, 1932 at Wagner, S. Dak., the son of Neil R. and Olive (Cron) Hanson Sr. He was a monkey in a grade school operetta while living in Wagner, hence, his life long nickname of "Monk". The Hansen's lived in Wagner until the summer of 1944 when they moved to Rapid City. Monk worked at various jobs in the area and graduated from Rapid City High School in 1951. He proudly served in the United States Navy, and spent most of his military years stationed in Jacksonville, Florida. He served aboard the aircraft carrier "Lake Champlain" during the Korean War. Following his military service, Monk and his family resided in Jacksonville where Monk was employed as a firefighter. Following his retirement, Monk and his wife Mary Lou returned to Rapid City. Monk was a member of Rapid City Elks Lodge 1187, a past member of the American Legion, and in his earlier years he was active in the Rapid City and South Dakota Jaycees. Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou Hansen, Rapid City, a daughter, Debra Stegner and her husband Mike, Jacksonville, Florida, a grandson, Mikey Stegner, Jacksonville, Florida, sisters, Donna Eliason and her husband Ron, Black Hawk, SD and Sharon Kovarik and her husband Joseph, Colorado Spr1ngs, CO, a sister-in-law, Lavonne Hansen, Rapid City, and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his stepchildren, Col. Debbie Henson, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Teresa Martin and her husband Dave, Rapid City and Steve Leeks, Rapid City, along with six step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Deane Hansen. Visitation will be from 4 PM until 6 PM today at the Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Services will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, April 17th, at the First Christian Church with Marvin Flowers officiating. Interment, with military honors provided by Rushmore VFW Post 1273 Honor Guard, will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial in Neil's name. The family wishes to thank Drs. Bowman, Burgess, Sufficool and Petereit for their unwavering and loving care of Monk, as well as all other physicians and the many nursing caregivers throughout the years. His wit, humor and generosity will be missed. Sail on, Monk.