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Hans Hanson Obituary
Hans was born May 29, 1946 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Wilma (Helle) Hanson and Armand Hanson. He was baptized twice, first on July 2 and then a confirmed baptism on September 22, 1946. In 1960 he was confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Thornton, IA. He graduated from Meservey-Thornton High School in 1964. Hans served with the United States Marine Corp in 1966-69.
On June 24, 1968 he married the love of his life Sonja Rachut.
Hans attended Luther College and Wartburg College and completed his bachelor's and master's in Education at Drake University.
He was employed with the Des Moines Police Department from 1972-1991. During this time he briefly taught at Des Moines Technical High School. Hans retired as a Lieutenant from the DMPD. He then worked over 20 years as the Chief of Security and Head of Postal Operations from 1991-2013 for Drake University. While at Drake University, Hans was awarded the Spirit of Drake Award in 2010.
Hans was a proud marine and served in the Vietnam War near Da Nang. He especially loved tinkering at the family Thunderbolt Farm in Thornton, IA, fixing up and driving his Chevy Tracker SUV convertible, attending grandchildren activities, fishing, relaxing, and simply being Norwegian.
Hans is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sonja, his children Julie (Kevin) Quass, Frankie (Kevin Tu) Hanson, and Conrad (Wendy) Hanson; his grandchildren Colin Quass, Berit Quass, Rondi Quass and Christopher Tu; his sister Linda (David) Hopper; his brother Ben (Kay) Hanson; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Hans was preceded in death by his parents Armand and Wilma Hanson.
Visitation will be 4-8pm Tuesday at St. Mark Lutheran Church where he was a member. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mark Lutheran Church 1105 Grand Ave, West Des Moines. Arrangements are pending for a prayer service in Thornton, IA. Following cremation, his mortal remains will be interred at Elmwood Cemetery, Mason City, IA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: 1/7 Marines Memorial Monument www.17marines.com/17-memorial.html, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, the local Salvation Army, or a charity of the donor's choice in loving memory of Hans.
Hans was a good man, loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Semper Fi
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hans Hanson
Kathy Outlaw
December 19, 2014
Sonja,
I just read Julie's facebook entries about going to Des Moines and saw that she mentioned Hans. I am so shocked and sorry to hear of his passing. I was glad I got to meet him and talk to him some at the class reunion several years ago. My impression was just as so many have described here. My prayers are with you and your family for comfort in your great loss.
Shannon
December 7, 2014
Will miss seeing his smiling face at ankeny McDonald's. Thoughts and prayers to his family
John Christensen
December 5, 2014
Sonja and family, Linda and Ben. You may not remember me, Hans and I ran around together in HS and Luther League (I met Sonja on one of those outings). The farms where we grew up were a mile apart and our parents were good friends. We talked about going into the Marines on the buddy program, but I chickened out. I saw him last at Armand's funeral. I will forever regret not stopping to say hi a few years ago when I saw him mowing his mother's lawn. I have some great stories of our experiences together (some I won't tell). Life is too short. I know this is tough. My heart and prays are with you now. God bless all who loved him. John and Bonnie
Barbara Phipps
December 3, 2014
Sonja,
My sympathies to you and your children. I am thinking of you and sending healing thoughts.
December 3, 2014
Dear Hanson Family,
I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hanson but feel like I did know him. He and my father worked together at the Des Moines Police Department and I know he and Mr. Hanson kept in contact over the years after each of them retired. Dad thought highly of Mr. Hanson and spoke often of him. I am sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Leota Teale Lipovac
Dani Howard
December 2, 2014
I'm saddened to hear of the loss of such a staple in Drake's history. I had the pleasure of doing printing for Hans for several years. He had a contagious smile and a laid back demeanor. I always looked forward to seeing him stop by. My condolences to his friends and family. Heaven gained a good one when Hans passed.
Kevin Meacham
December 2, 2014
Sonja, Julie, Frankie, and Conrad, I'm so sorry hearing of Hans passing. It brings back good memories during the "swimming" years. I have always enjoyed talking with Hans and will continue to smile when I think about him. My prayers and thoughts to you during this difficult time.
Lynn Lawson
December 2, 2014
Dear Frankie and Hanson Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Hans. My prayers are with you all during this difficult time. In time, the tears of sorrow will become tears of joy. Remember the light his love brought, and will continue to bring, to your lives. My deepest condolences.
Peterson's
December 2, 2014
Hanson's, we are so sorry to hear about Hans. We read a great article in the Des Moines Register about Hans you all should be so proud.
Robert Butters
December 1, 2014
Sonja, Sorry to hear about the Chief. He'll away be The Chief in my mind. I had a great time working for the Chief, he always treated me great. I'm having a difficult time excepting the fact that he's gone. Our prayers to you and your family.
December 1, 2014
Sonja, what a shock, Gale just saw him not long ago on the Drake campus. We are so sorry for your loss. Hans was a great guy, always had a smile. Gale has many wonderful memories of him while on the DMPD. Our prayers to you and the children. Gale and Carol Morris
Tracy Raborn
December 1, 2014
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
Kim Swanson
December 1, 2014
So saddened to hear the news of Hans passing. Much sympathy for his wife and family. Hans, was a good Marine and a very good man. Rest in Peace Hans, Semper Fi
December 1, 2014
Dear Frankie,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. You are in our prayers.
Erica & Camden Arnold & family
Katie Wainwright
November 30, 2014
My sincere sympathy to you, Frankie, and to all your family. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. I enjoyed reading your dad's obituary and certainly see you in his face. Take care, and may your memories of him warm you.
Karen Labenz
November 30, 2014
Julie - Please accept my deepest sympathies for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Much love to you.....
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