Elayna Chalice Hansen, 17, began her next great adventure on Saturday, January 10, 2026, leaving behind a life rich with curiosity, creativity, and love. Her deep appreciation for books, music, learning, food, family, and friends shaped who she was and has left a profound emptiness in the hearts of all who knew her.
Born on March 4, 2008, in Madison, Wisconsin, Elayna was raised in two loving households that were equally devoted to her happiness and growth. During her childhood, she lived in several Wisconsin communities—including Madison, St. Nazianz, Plymouth, New Holstein, Chilton, and Manitowoc—each contributing to her open-minded spirit and love of new experiences.
In early 2019, Elayna made Sheboygan Falls her home, where she formed lasting friendships and discovered passions that would define her teenage years. She developed a love for playing the flute, immersed herself in dystopian literature, and excelled academically with remarkable dedication. Elayna was a proud member of the National Honor Society and Key Club and shared her musical talent as a flutist in the Sheboygan Falls High School Wind Ensemble and the EWC Honors Band.
Adventure was central to Elayna’s spirit. She loved to travel and eagerly embraced new experiences—sampling new foods, zip-lining, riding roller coasters along mountain landscapes, and horseback riding among them. Her enthusiasm for life and willingness to try new things reflected her fearless and joyful nature.
Elayna is survived by her mother, Rachele (Adam) Beltran; her father, Cole (Samantha) Hansen; her sisters, Adaya Violetta and Arya Hansen; and her brothers, Cas, Kaden, and Avery Beltran. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandparents, Chris and Rene Puetz, Terry and Marlene Ver Straate, Cristina Fischer, Alfonso Beltran Sr., and Kathy Hansen; her great-grandmother, Betty Van Bruggen; her aunts and uncles, Jonathon (Samantha) Puetz, Tyler Hansen, Martina (Kyle) Wessels, Alex (Adam) Huenink, and Alfonso Beltran Jr.; and her cousins, Owen, Reilly, and Emilyn Puetz, Caleb, Elijah, and Jonah Wessels, and Micah Huenink.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather Jeff Hansen; her uncle Samuel Hansen; her uncle Ray Stayer Jr.; her aunt Riki Chalice Koepke; and other extended family members.
The family also wishes to recognize those who meant especially much to Elayna—her close friends Ereka and McClaren, and her boyfriend, Lucas. Your love and support were deeply cherished, and the family holds you close in their thoughts during this difficult time.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Crossroads Community Church, 4321 County Road A, Sheboygan. Visitation will take place at the church from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. prior to the service.
Elayna will be remembered for her bright intellect, adventurous heart, gentle kindness, and the lasting impact she made on everyone fortunate enough to know her.