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BORN
1934
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Joe Hanna Obituary
August 3, 1934 - February 10, 2021
Born in York, NE, on August 3, 1934, to parents, Joe and Helen Hanna. He graduated from Omaha Benson High School in 1952. He married Sharon Lee Erickson, his High School sweetheart, in 1955.
He was very proud of his family including his children, Sheryl Rosenbaum (Greg), and Mark Hanna (Nicole); his grandchildren, James Rosenbaum (Katie), Stevi Kountze (Tyler), Dani Rosenbaum, and Gaby Montenegro; and great-grandchildren: Hunter, Jax, Parker, Lyla, Camden, and Graham. Sharon, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the joy of his life.
He also thanked the Lord for the privilege given him to serve children and youth, the church he loved, and to have had a career that was both challenging and inspiring.
He earned a BS Ed and MS ED from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and his ED D from the University at Nebraska at Lincoln.
Joe began his career as a mathematics teacher in the Omaha Public Schools. Over his 28 ½ years of service in the OPS, he served in several administrative positions: including the Director of Curriculum K-12, Associate Superintendent, Secretary to the Board, Administrator of the Retirement System, and Chief Financial Officer. His career also included teaching in the college of Education at UNO and serving as President of Graceland University.
Dr. Hanna also served his Church, the Community of Christ, as a pastor of the local congregation, as President of the Region covering congregations in Nebraska and Iowa, and on the Investment Committee of the World Church. In 1996, both Joe and Sharon received the International Award for Service in Youth given by the World Church.
Some of the distinctions received by Dr. Hanna over his 60 some years of service, to both education and his church, included the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award (University of Nebraska Omaha), Benson H.S. Hall of Fame, Distinguished Educator of the Year (Nebraska Schoolmasters), plus numerous honorary memberships of both local and national organizations.
VISITATION observing CDC guidelines: Sunday, February 14th, from 1pm to 3pm at West Center Chapel. SERVICES: Monday, February 15th, at 1pm, West Center Chapel. INTERMENT: Evergreen Memorial Park. Memorials will be directed by the family.
To view a live broadcast of the service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the "View Live Service" button on the home page.
HEAFEY-HOFFMANN-DWORAK-CUTLER
West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd.
402-391-3900 | www.heafeyheafey.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Hanna
Sponsored by Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuaries - West Center Chapel.
Paul Hoff
February 7, 2025
Still think of Joe often. We were close friends in High school and University of Omaha. Hopefully Sharon is doing well. RPH
Clarence (Gene) Sage
February 8, 2024
I think of Joe often, just yesterday while looking at the BHS yearbooks. Joe and I played sports together, studied, went on double dates and hung out. I will be remembering Joe, Sharon and families again this month. Last time I visited with Joe and Sharon was at the last BHS reunion. Our birthdays were three weeks apart so no doubt we celebrated a few together. Clarence Sage
James Snyder
February 14, 2021
I first met Joe in 1971 when I was hired to work for Chuck Beattie in the Secretary´s Office. As a new member of the Central Staff, Joe was one of the first to warmly welcome me. Over the next eight years, it was my good fortune to often work with him directly on a wide range of activities. Joe was the most positive, energetic, upbeat and ethical person I´ve ever known. He was a superlative writer and speaker with excellent organizational skills. All of which was complemented by his sharp wit and sense of humor. And lastly, Joe only had one speed of operation.....VERY FAST! He will be fondly remembered. My condolences to the Hanna family.
Clarence (Gene) Sage
February 14, 2021
Met Joe in 1948 as a Freshman at BHS . Played sports together , studied and socialized and saw each other since then. Will always treasure the memories and good times we had together. I will not make the visitation as I live in Oak Ridge ,Tn. God Bless Sharon and the family during this time. Clarence Sage
Earl Coolman
February 13, 2021
Cindy and I offer our deepest sympathies and prayers for peace and comfort for your loss. Joes ministry was always an inspiration to me. And he was such a blessing to my family when my dad passed. Joe will be sorely missed.
Toni Turnquist
February 13, 2021
Deepest sympathy to the Hanna family.
Joe Hanna was the instructor in my very first teacher education course as an undergraduate and a most valued mentor and colleague in later years. The leadership he provided during his subsequent roles as an administrator in the Omaha Public Schools was invaluable in the steady growth and underlying mission of the district during his nearly three decades of dedicated service there.
Joe was a sensitive educator and a most decent man.
Carol Schrader
February 13, 2021
I found Dr Hanna to be an honest and open administrator in the years I interacted with him as a journalist. He truly cared about the educational system and how it worked to educate young minds. I am so sorry for your loss.
Paul Hoff
February 13, 2021
Jo and I were close friends in High School and at Omaha U. He was always someone to look up to. My sincere sympathies to Sharon and her family. Paul Hoff M.D.
Barry Larson
February 13, 2021
I´m so sorry to lose a classmate and cherished friend. Since I´m in Tucson for the winter I cannot attend the funeral. I´m devastated as Joe was very special to me and I certainly would have been there. My condolences to Sharon and your extended family. He will be missed dearly!
Kurt W. Krause
February 13, 2021
He was a fantastic teacher in JR Highschool and an outsanding role model for so many of us!!! RIP
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