John H. Hansen

John H. Hansen was born February 11, 1917 to Martin H. Hansen and Caroline Ploog Hansen on their farm in Goodrich Township, Crawford County, Iowa, where he lived until age 99 with his beloved wife Doris. From July 2016 until May 1, 2019, John and Doris lived in their Silveridge apartment, where they enjoyed visits from many friends and family members. At an early age, John began violin lessons. He owned several accordions and played in many jam sessions with his fellow musicians -- and at Kiwanis pancake suppers, Eventide, Zion Lutheran Church, and Silveridge.
John always said he enjoyed school and learning – and he also enjoyed negotiating a good deal on the sale of farm animals and crops. He delighted in telling stories of growing up with his uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends from neighboring farms – and he liked to play cards. When he was 15, he and his brother August drove to Des Moines for the Iowa State Fair. After he retired, John maintained an active interest in the farming operations, and enjoyed walking around the farm. He and Doris always welcomed visitors and hosted many lively birthday celebrations. They enjoyed golf and were avid travelers, taking many trips together to Chicago, Florida, Niagara Falls, Philadelphia, New York City, Seattle and San Francisco. They went to Washington, DC, the Grand Canyon, and to Europe for their 40th Wedding Anniversary with their daughter Lucy. They traveled to Branson, Yosemite, and Texas with their daughter Barb and son-in-law Gary, and to the St. Louis area to visit their daughter Shirley and son-in-law Dave. John had fun competing with friends for the title, “Oldest Gentleman at the Crawford County Fair”.
John was a devoted husband and father, by his wife's side, caring for her in times of illness, just as she was by his side in times of illness. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary at Silveridge and their 77th wedding anniversary on August 10, 2018. John drove his daughters to dancing, piano and band lessons, and to many other events. In his later years, he was cared for by many family members, including his granddaughter, Vicki Schraeder. He was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, and the visits of Pastor Keinath and Pastor Kaiser lifted him in spirit, heart, and body.
He is survived by his wife Doris, three daughters, Shirley, Barb (Gary), Lucy (Javier); grandchildren Rhonda (Jim), Vicki (Randy), Julie (Jim), James (Sarah), Andrew; great-grandchildren Amanda (Drew), Zach (Tedi), Brandyn, Cole, Jake (Britni), Heather (Andy), Seth, Justin, Aria, and Malcolm; and great-great grandchild Gordon. He was preceded in death by his parents Martin & Caroline, his brother August, his son-in-law Dave, and other beloved family and friends.