Joe Hansen

May 14th, 1944 - June 16th, 2013

Biography


Ernest W. “Joe” Hansen, 69, of Winterset died Sunday, June 16, 2013 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 19, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Winterset. A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 18 at Ochiltree Funeral Service & Aftercare, with family present to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
A second memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, June 21 at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs, with burial in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Boomer Township, Pottawattamie County.
Memorials may be directed to the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Winterset.
Ernest Wayne Hansen was born in Maxton, North Carolina in a military hospital on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1944, to Byron and Helen (Hetrick) Hansen. The family later settled in and around the Underwood, Iowa area where Joe grew up and attended school. Later he graduated from California State University in Fullerton, CA where he received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Joe was first married to Delores Swanger on August 27, 1962 and two children were born to this union, Renee and Brad. Later he married Liz Jepsen on November 23, 1997 in Ida Grove.
During his working career he worked with the Union Pacific Railroad for several years and returned to Iowa to work construction in and around Council Bluffs. Later he worked as Director of Operations at Mercy Hospital and for Lewis Central Schools both in Council Bluffs before moving to Des Moines where he was Director of Buildings And Grounds for the West Des Moines School District. His last employment, prior to his retirement, was with the Heartland AEA 11 where he was the Chief of Staff.
Upon his marriage to Liz, Joe settled in the Winterset area where he enjoyed fishing, church projects, having family celebrations and music.
He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Winterset, where he was active in many church activities.
Joe is survived by his wife, Liz Hansen of Winterset; children, Brad (Sue) Hansen of Maple Grove, MN; Renee (Bryan) Goss of Council Bluffs; step-children, Joe Johnson of Ida Grove; Ramona (Bill) Sanford of Omaha, and Patty (Michael) DeLuna of Arlington, NE. He is also survived by his five siblings, Larry (Sharon) Hansen of Council Bluffs; Roger (Doryne) Hansen of Colorado Springs, CO; Marlene (Michael) Collins of Omaha; Lillie (Marty) White of Roy, UT, and Joyce (Tommy Conlon) Trafton of Council Bluffs; four grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and seven step great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

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Family

About

Name Joe Hansen
Date of Birth May 14th, 1944
Date of Death June 16th, 2013
Cemetery

Memorial

Cemetery
Funeral Home Ochiltree Funeral Service
Address 1823 North John Wayne Drive
Winterset IA 50273
United States

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Lillie Ann published a tribute .

It seems like just yesterday you and I were sitting in your truck parked at Mom's back door the day after Dad died. We were listening to the Amazing Grace tape you and Nae made for the funeral. I lost it when you wrapped your arms around me and said "I miss him so much already honey". Your words were my exact thoughts the morning I was told you had left us. I love you Mighty Oak. Thanks big brother, for everything. "An Oak Tree Named Joe" A mighty wind blew night and day. It stole the oak tree's leaves away, Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark Until the oak was tired and stark. But still the oak tree held its ground While other trees fell all around. The weary wind gave up and spoke, "How can you still be standing, Oak?" The oak tree said, "I know that you Can break each branch of mine in two, Carry every leaf away, Shake my limbs, and make me sway. But I have roots stretched in the earth, Growing stronger since my birth. You'll never touch them, for you see, They are the deepest part of me. Until today, I wasn't sure Of just how much I could endure. But now I've found, with thanks to you, I'm stronger than I ever knew. " (Author Unknown,Title Personalized)

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Lillie Ann published a tribute .

It seems like just yesterday we sat in your truck listening to the tape you and Nae made of Amazing Grace for Dad's funeral. I fell apart when you wrapped your arms around me, holding me tight and said "I miss him so much already". Your words Joe were my exact thoughts the morning I heard you had left us. I love you Mighty Oak. "An Oak Tree Named Joe" A mighty wind blew night and day. It stole the oak tree's leaves away, Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark Until the oak was tired and stark. But still the oak tree held its ground While other trees fell all around. The weary wind gave up and spoke, "How can you still be standing, Oak?" The oak tree said, "I know that you Can break each branch of mine in two, Carry every leaf away, Shake my limbs, and make me sway. But I have roots stretched in the earth, Growing stronger since my birth. You'll never touch them, for you see, They are the deepest part of me. Until today, I wasn't sure Of just how much I could endure. But now I've found, with thanks to you, I'm stronger than I ever knew. " *(Author unknown,title change for personalization purposes)

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Ina published a tribute .

We loved Joe very much. He was a true Renaissance man. But even more important than that he was a Warrior for Christ, a good friend, an unselfish, caring and loving human being. He will be missed. We will see each other again in heaven.

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Peggy Van Kirk published a tribute .

Joe and I worked together at Heartland I remember his warm smile and "can-do' attitude. He helped find solutions to whatever "problem" we gave him. My heart is saddened to hear of your loss.

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Pam Centarri published a tribute .

Liz and family, Mike and I want to let you know that we have you in our thoughts and prayers. Joe was a great guy and I know he will be missed by all that knew him. - Pam and Mike Centarri

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Stacy Smiyh published a tribute .

Liz and family Our deepest sympathies are with you during this time of loss. We hope you can find reassurance in the care of your friends, and allow the loving memories you have of Joe to help you through this time. You are in our prayers Liz. Love Mike & Stacy Smith

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Lori Blythe published a tribute .

Liz, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

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Sally Holmberg published a tribute .

I knew Joe when he was employed in Council Bluffs and I worked with him at Heartland AEA. What a great man he was and respected by many! I have missed seeing and chatting with Joe since my retirement but he lives in my heart. Special thoughts and prayers come to the family.

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Sally Holmberg published a tribute .

I knew Joe when he was employed in Council Bluffs and I worked with him at Heartland AEA. What a great man he was and respected by many! I have missed seeing and chatting with Joe since my retirement but he lives in my heart. Special thoughts and prayers come to the family.

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Dee Swanger published a tribute .

Liz and family, I want you to all know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know he fought a hard battle with the cancer and I know you are all grateful for the time you were able to share with him following the diagnosis. I have no doubt that he is at peace and in God's arms now. Know that I am thinking of you and grateful to you as well for all his care during his illness. I know my children and grandchildren will certainly miss him as he was a very good father to our children and grandfather to our grandchildren. Liz - you and Joe made everyone feel so welcome on the 4th of July and made this a very special holiday for all the family. Dee

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Susan Spring published a tribute .

Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. My sincere sympathy Susan Spring

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Sharon Collins published a tribute .

As a principal for Lewis Central, I worked closely with Joe on many projects. He was a wonderful guy and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Sincerely, Sharon

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Jim Sutfi published a tribute .

We are all praying for Uncle Joe's family. He had a huge heart and as kid I remember his infectious laugh. God Bless each of you as you walk through this difficult time. Jim, Julie, Brady, and Tessa Sutfin

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Sherry Tallman published a tribute .

I remember many good times we had while you were married to my sister Dee. You will be missed by many.

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Brad And Annis Woods published a tribute .

To the family of our dear friend Joe. Word cannot express our deepest sympathy. Joe will truly be missed. We love you, ours prayers are with you. Brad and Annis

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Anita Westerhaus published a tribute .

I had the pleasure of working with Joe when I served as principal of Sacred Heart WDM and Joe was Transportation Director for WDM Public Schools. He was a creative thinker! We reconnected over coffee at Heartland AEA when I joined the staff. I had the utmost respect for Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sincerely, Anita Westerhaus

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Tracy Joneson published a tribute .

To all of Joe's family & friends - Joe was not just a musical companion for me, but somewhere between friend and father. I admired him greatly, and will miss him always. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. We were all Blessed to know him, and can cherish our memories of him.

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Joyce Trafton published a tribute .

Brother, I love you very much brother and will miss you more....until we meet again. Don't forget baby...."Go through the park" Love, Your baby sister!

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Sara Thalacker published a tribute .

Dear Liz and family, Joe was a faithful servent and will be greatly missed by many. Hope you find comfort in your memories of him. Sara Thalacker

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