Dean Hansen was born in Ithaca, Ne in April of 1933 into a farming family of German ancestry. He was stricken with polio at the age of four and suffered paralysis of his right leg. Fearing his condition would prevent dean from ever farming, his parents introduced him to music by buying him an accordion. After several surgeries, he was able to walk and take music lessons from various teachers including Fritz Poppe, who influenced Dean's distinctive style. He quickly developed his skills and went on to tour with the Herb Molter polka band in 1951, the Sparta Band in 1953, and the Eddie Janak band in 1958. In 1971, dean joined the Ernie Kucera band and recorded several albums. In 1979, Dean formed a family band with his children and other skilled musicians. His musical excellence and reputation as an exceptional bandleader resulted in his induction into the Sokol Omaha Polka Hall of Fame in 1989.

For his many accomplishments in the polka industry, Dean Hansen has been deemed deserving by the electorate of the International Polka Association for induction into the Polka Music Hall of Fame®.