Born in Exira, Iowa,[1] Hansen received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwest Missouri State University in 1960, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and a Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School in 1963.

He was chairman, Hardin County Republican central committee, from 1975 to 1976.

He was nominated by President Ronald Reagan, on February 3, 1986, to a seat vacated by Edward Joseph McManus.

Hansen served in that capacity until November 18, 1991, when he was elevated to the court of appeals.

He was nominated by President George H. W. Bush, on July 30, 1991, to a new seat created by 104 Stat.