Robert Dean Hansen

     Robert Dean, son of Fred P. and Hilda (Rowedder) Hansen was born June 24, 1931 at Manning General Hospital, Manning, Iowa.  He lived with his family on a farm west of Manning until 1936 when the family moved to a farm near Gray.  He attended schools in Gray, graduating with the Gray High School Class of 1948.  He then worked as a hired hand on nearby farms, served a year in the National Guard and was drafted into the United States Army in 1952.  He received his basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and then served with the 555th Field Artillery in Korea.  While in Korea he and his buddy were both in the front lines.  In 1954 Bob was released from active duty and transferred to the Army Reserve to complete his eight years.  At the time of his release from active duty Bob returned to farm near Gray.  While Bob was serving in Korea his father sustained a farm accident from which he never fully recovered, dying several years later.  Bob farmed with his brother Mel and his mother, who according to Bob, “was an awfully good cook.”  Bob also worked for the Audubon County ASCS.  After the death of their mother, Bob and Mel continued farming until moving into Manning in 1991.  Mel was not in the best of health and died shortly after their move into town.

   Before moving into town Bob had started working at Thrifty Food in 1983 as well as farming.  He then worked for Struve Labs for nine years because of his experience raising hogs, retiring in 1995.  Bob was a member of First Presbyterian Church; Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars as well as member of the American Legion.  Over the years Bob was a devoted Iowa Hawkeye fan, attending the Rose Bowl in 1957.  He appreciated his many trips with family and dear friends to support the Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs.  Bob also loyally supported the Manning Bulldogs and the IKM-Manning Wolves.

   Bob’s health started to fail in early 2017 and was in the hospital numerous times. His dear nieces, nephews and friends were at his side during his last hospital stay in Des Moines. He died at Mercy Medical Center there on August 16, 2017 at the age of 86 years, 1 month and 23 days.

   Preceding Bob in death are his parents; three brothers: Alvin (Alice Weighton) Hansen, Billy Hansen and Melvin Hansen; and sister in law LaRue (Hagge) Hansen.   Surviving are his brother Fred Orren Hansen of Sac City; sister in law Maureen Avery Hansen and numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Lu Baker, Officiant

Music

  “Hymn of Promise”      Congregation

 “Because He Lives”      Jeff Hansen, Vocalist

“You Are Mine”      Recorded      

Connie Siepker, Accompanist

Honorary Urn Bearers

Bob’s nieces and nephews

Interment with Military Honors

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3517

American Legion Emil Ewoldt Post 22 

Hayes Township Cemetery

Westside, Iowa