Clarence M. Hansen

Clarence M. Hansen East Lansing Professor Clarence M. Hansen, age 96, died May 23, 2010. Clarence was born July 2, 1913 on the family farm in Victory Township, Mason County, Michigan. He graduated from Ludington High School, studied mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan College, his Master of Arts degree (in Industrial Education) from Columbia University, and also did advanced work at Michigan State University. He taught high school Shop classes in South Haven, Michigan where he also enjoyed hobbies making jewelry, pottery, metal art and furniture. In 1945 he was recruited to a research assistant position in the Agricultural Engineering Department, Michigan State College (now MSU). He was promoted to full Professor in 1970. Clarence's work at MSU included teaching, extension, and a focus on research in Power & Machinery. His work led him to travel widely, having visited 67 countries in his lifetime starting with Columbia, South America in 1952 for a year with his family as part of the Point Four Program. He made many trips to Europe, and visited five continents with sabbatical leaves in China, Japan, Taiwan, Egypt, and Chile. He acted as the "Chief of Party", with Co-Leader and wife, Thelma, on a People to People trip to the Soviet Union in 1988. During his professional and retirement years Clarence authored 141 papers and was granted 14 patents, including one each with his sons, Charles and Dennis. He was a Fellow in the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) where he held many committee chairmanships. Honors included Michigan Section ASAE Engineer of the Year and a meritorious award from the Polish Ministry of Agriculture for mentoring Polish students. From 1966 to 1979 he mentored 24 students from many foreign countries. He acted as chairman of the organizing committee when the International Commission of Agricultural Engineering (CIGR) held its meeting at MSU in 1979. He was given a prestigious award by CIGR for his achievements in agricultural engineering and also received a meritorious award from the French Government. Clarence retired from MSU in 1980, and in addition to his many professional accomplishments he was a member of the Executive Board for both the State YMCA and Camp-Hayo-Went Ha, and served as President of the State YMCA of Michigan. In 2003, he was elected to the Camp Hayo-Went-Ha "Hall of Fame" for his many years of service which began in 1933. Clarence was a member of the Haslett Parkwood Y's Service Club, Lansing Farmers Club (one time president), and a member of the Council of Elders of Peoples Church. He was president of the MSU Retirees Association 1993-95 and also belonged to the MSU Beaumont Society. Clarence is survived by his wife of 49 years and 10 months, Thelma; son Charles (Mary) and their daughters, Jodi (Doug) Kozma and Karen (Patrick) Weese; son Dennis (Barbara) and their daughters, Stephanie (Nicholas) Friant and Lisa (Matt) Alcorn; son Marvin (Peggy) Dunn and their daughter Sarah (Craig) Penquite and son Kenneth (Jennifer); and daughter Ann (Shelby) Robertson and their daughters, Linda (Don) Filcek, Laurel (Andy) McCoy and Beth (Matt) McAlvey; along with 16 great-grandchildren. Clarence was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth, (Sedestrom); and his brothers Dean, Fred (Dorothy), and Paul (Edna). A Memorial Service will be held June 10, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Peoples Church, 200 West Grand River Ave., East Lansing, Michigan, with the Rev. Dr. Harry H. Johnson officiating. A private interment at Acacia Park Cemetery, Beverly Hills, Michigan will be held on June 11, 2010. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the many staff at Burcham Hills Retirement Community and Hartland Hospice for the outstanding care and understanding they provided Clarence in his last months. In lieu of flowers it is desired that memorials be given to: the Campership Program, at the State YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha, 919 N. East Torch Lake Dr., Central Lake, MI 49622; the Parkwood YMCA, 2306 Haslett Rd., East Lansing, MI, 48823; the 4-H Children's Garden, Michigan 4-H Foundation, 240 Spartan Way East Lansing, MI 48824; or Peoples Church of East Lansing, 200 West Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing, Michigan. Online condolences may be made at www.gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com