Hans C. Hansen

Hans Carl Hansen was born on August 3rd, 1938, in Scandinavia, Wisconsin.  He lived a joyous and fulfilled life. Hans was the 6th child out of 7 born to Emil and Faith (Lamb) Hansen. He had fond memories of growing up on their farm and always had stories to share, like learning to drive a tractor by the time he was 5. Growing up on the farm laid the foundation for the major pillars of his life such as: working hard, living modestly, embracing family and finding joy and satisfaction in the little things. Hans had many hobbies and interests including biking, gardening, camping, singing, carpentry and of course dancing, all of which he shared with his spouses, children, grandchildren, and friends. Hans’ love of singing and beautiful tenor voice joined in different choirs over the years including church choirs and the Wisconsin Rapids Community Choir for the past 9 years. Hans sang to Nancy at their wedding service. 

Hans had a true love for being on the water and for baseball. Towards the end of his high school years, he tried out for the Milwaukee Braves but was not drafted due to his young age. Hans graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics. 

In 1961, Hans married his first wife, Linda (Miller) Hansen, whom he was married to for 49 years. After getting married, Hans was drafted into the Army, and eventually stationed in Huntsville Alabama, at the Red Stone Arsenal.  He worked with Werner Von Braun, a well-known aerospace engineer and space pioneer in the space program before it was moved to Texas. This was the start of Hans’ rocket and computer career.

Hans and Linda moved back to Port Edwards, WI where they raised their 3 children, Troy, Kim and Dirk. He worked for the Nekoosa Port Edwards Paper Company where he retired as the director of the Information Technology (IT) department. Upon retirement, Hans enjoyed his hobbies and spending time with his grandchildren, Megan, Carl and Grace Hansen. He spent many weekends in the stands watching them play sports or perform in concerts.

Hans enjoyed many hobbies as well as sports. He enjoyed playing and watching baseball, basketball, golf and football. Hans enjoyed playing basketball during his lunch-hour for 30 years while employed at the paper company. His favorite teams were the Badgers, Brewers, and the Packers. He attended many Packers games over the 55 years of being a season ticket holder. 

After the death of his first wife, Linda, Hans married Nancy Stapleman in 2012. Together they continued to enjoy Hans’ hobbies of ballroom dancing, singing, card/board games, puzzles, golfing, and kayaking. He enjoyed woodworking in his shop at their home, making many different items. This union brought new family members 3 stepchildren and their spouses: Gary Stapelman (Claudette), Steve Stapelman (Kelly) and Sue TerBush (David) and 5 grandchildren; Leah Stapelman, Christopher Stapelman, Rachel Stapelman, Teagan TerBush and Tage TerBush. Hans supported the grandchildren in their endeavors and spending time with them playing many card games. 

Hans died peacefully in his sleep on April 17th, 2023. He was an incredibly kind, gentle, wonderful, intelligent, selfless, calm, and simple man. He never raised his voice and was always easy-going. Most days he was perfectly content with a Mountain Dew in hand watching the Packers, Badgers, or golf. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Hans is preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Faith Hansen, siblings: Beulah, Alice, Marge, Bob and Carol, wife Linda and daughter, Kim. He is survived by his wife Nancy, sister Betty, his two sons Troy and Dirk (Wendy), stepchildren Gary (Claudette) Stapelman, Steve (Kelly) Stapelman, Sue (David) TerBush, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be a visitation at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home, Wisconsin Rapids on May 4th from 4-7 pm and and the Port Edwards United Methodist Church on May 5th from 10-11 am. There will be a service at the church on May 5th at 11:00 am with luncheon to follow. Burial will be at Port Edwards Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Hans’ name to the Wisconsin Rapids Area Community Choir, The Project Lifesaver, or the Port Edwards United Methodist Church. 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Hans C. Hansen, please visit our Tree Store.