Marchelle Hansen was last seen leaving Marquip Inc. in Phillips, Wisconsin, at the end of her work shift there at approximately 20:00 on November 12, 1987.

She was reported missing five days later, when she failed to arrive for work at her part-time job at the local IGA store in Phillips.

Hansen's vehicle was found parked at the Lake 10 Resort, approximately 11 miles south of Phillips. No signs of foul play were observed in the vehicle or at Hansen's residence, located north of Phillips on Highway 13.