George L. Hansen, 97, of Wanatah, IN passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025 at StoryPoint in Fort Wayne. He was born January 4, 1928 in Gary, IN to Ted & Anna (nee Kona) Hansen, graduated from Emerson High School and served proudly in the U.S. Navy. George was employed at U.S. Steel for over 35 years retiring as a supervisor. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and their St. Vincent DePaul Society, and the Wanatah Lions Club. Always a sports enthusiast, George played football, baseball, and even ice hockey, but it was the golf course that kept calling his name along with the lakes of Minnesota where the fishing trips were legendary. Of course family was always at the core of his thoughts and endeavors, and they never let each other down.
On January 27, 1951, he married Margaret Bowen who preceded him in death in 2013. Survivors include their children: Sue Hansen (Bill Oberg) of Ft. Wayne, Patricia Eckel (Ken) of Minnesota, George Hansen Jr. of Valparaiso, Bob Hansen (Kathy) of Wisconsin, Chris Klefeker (Alex) of Ft. Wayne, siblings: Mary Ann Graden, Jack Hansen (Kathy) & sisters-in-law: Marge Hansen & Sandy Weber, grandchildren: Kate, Brad, Alexis, Courtney & Ian, and great-grandchildren: June, Adelaide, Colin, Esme, Margaret, Albert, George, Louis, Marley & Bo. He was also preceded in death by brother, Ted Hansen, brother-in-law, Don Graden and daughter-in-law Desi Hansen
A visitation will be held Thursday from 2 – 6 pm at Wanatah Funeral Chapel. Funeral mass will be held Friday, 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society at Sacred Heart Church. George’s family would like to thank the staff of StoryPoint Ft. Wayne West and the staff of Eleos Hospice Care for the compassionate care he received.
GUESTBOOK
Our deepest condolences and thoughts and prayers to the family. -David Berger
Living next to George was not only a pleasure but an honor. The energy he had and was always so nice to me. I was glad to be able to help him as needed when before he moved. He is missed everyday here. -Steve Mockler
Knights of Columbus council 12671 offers our sympathy to the family and our gratitude to George for his years of faithful service to the K of C. -Roger Vogie, Council Grand Knight
My heartfelt condolences to all of the Hansen family and friends. George Hansen Sr. was my father-in-law for almost 18 years. I came to accept and relish the fact that I was a part of the Hansen family. That was due in large part to the love and acceptance of both George and Marge. They made me feel that I belonged, as did most of the rest of the Hansen/Bowen clans. Even though I realize that this was "his time" and that he lived a very full life in the midst of a loving family, I am still filled with sorrow at this loss. I know that his family will miss him terribly. I wish them peace and fond memories. -Derla Early
