Denise Mills

Denise Ann Mills was born on January 12, 1955, the daughter of Ralph and Elizabeth (Brannan) Hansen in Carroll, Iowa. She graduated from Manilla High School in 1973 and began her career with dedication and compassion, first working at a nursing home and later engaging in seasonal work.

Denise’s life was enriched by her family. She first had two beloved children, Heidi and Matthew. In 1986, she married Jerold “Jerry” Lee, and together they were blessed with twins, Mike and Holly and they built a loving home in Manilla. Denise’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her family as she operated a home daycare for over 25 years, touching the lives of countless children and families in her community.

Denise’s passions included bowling, cheering for local school events, and supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes. Her enthusiasm for college sports was matched by her love for staying connected with friends and family through Facebook and enjoying social gatherings like taco nights at the Juice Bar. Denise treasured every moment spent with her children and especially delighted in the joy her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her.

After a long battle, Denise passed away on Monday, September 2, 2024, at Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison at the age of 69 years, seven months and 21 days. 

Denise is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Elizabeth Hansen; beloved husband, Jerry Lee and brother, Denny Hansen. She is survived by her four children: Heidi Hansen of Denison, Matthew Hansen (Jessica Hilbert) of Urbandale, Mike Mills of Warren, Minnesota and Holly (Julio) Galicia of Manilla; Her legacy lives on through her seven grandchildren: KaLee Hansen, Kambree Hansen, Keilyn Vazquez (the OG’s), Kyler Galicia, Kazic Galicia, Kenzo Galicia, Kamila Galicia and a grandson on the way, Lincoln Hansen; great-grandchildren: Nash Hansen and Bellamy Rodriguez; sister-in-law, Janette Hansen of Manilla; niece: Kasey Nolan and her family of Fremont, Nebraska; aunts: Rebecca Brooks of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Madalyn Ortner of New Berlin, Wisconsin; lifelong friend Monica Schiltz of Manilla; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Her funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024, also at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Interment will take place next to her husband in the Nishnabotna Cemetery near Manilla. Memorials may be directed to the family.