Thorvald Bud Hansen Obituary (1932 - 2011)

Thorvald "Bud" Hansen Jr. was born April 23, 1932, on a farm near Winthrop, Iowa, the son of Thorvald Hansen Sr. and Phoebe (Booth) Hansen. He attended the local country schools. Bud was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Bartels on August 14, 1956, at Delaware, Iowa. To this union were born six children: Debra, Jim, Patricia, Karen, Sherri, and Judy. They lived in Lamont, Iowa, most of their married life, raising their children. Barbara entered into her eternal rest on July 19, 1987. Bud served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1958 until his honorable discharge in 1960. For over 43 years, Bud worked in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at Iowa Manufacturing as a crane operator and supervisor. After retiring, he was able to enjoy his hobbies of fishing, reading Western books, and working in his blacksmith shop, fondly referred to as, "Bud's Fix-it Shop". For many years, Bud grew beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, which he enjoyed sharing with others. A willing volunteer throughout the community, he was very active in the Lamont American Legion, serving on the Military Honor Guard and in many capacities at the fish fries; including his last one, the day before his death. Taking great pride in the Campton-Oak Hill Cemetery, he was a member of its board. He volunteered his time at the Common Grounds Coffee Shop, where he especially enjoyed the Euchre card games. There will be fond family memories of the special times that were spent together. Following a sudden illness, Bud entered into his eternal rest on Saturday, January 15, 2011, at the Regional Medical Center in Manchester, Iowa, at the age of 78. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Barbara; his special friend, Phyllis "Kay" Beebe; his grandson, his sister, Velma, and his brother, Jim. Survivors include his son, Jim (Lisa) Hansen of Caledonia, IL; his five daughters: Debra (Larry) Smith of Sycamore, IL; Patricia Hansen of Belvedere, IL; Karen (Charles) Freeman of Cherry Valley, IL; Sherri (Ad) DePyper of Winnebago, IL; and Judy Hansen of Belvedere; eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren; his sister, Ann Hansen of Rowley, IA; his brother Pete Hansen of Independence, IA; and other relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, January 20, 2011, in the Grace United Methodist Church at Lamont with Rev. Roger Henry officiating and Karen Kremer, organist. Casket bearers will be: Pat Decker, (Howard) Junior Bachman, Charles Pech, Harvey Adams, Bill Offerman, and Bill Catlett. Interment with military rites will be in Campton-Oak Hill Cemetery, east of Lamont. The Fawcett Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lamont are assisting the family with arrangements. Friends may call from 4 P.M. until 7 P.M. on Wednesday, January 19, 2011, at the Fawcett Funeral Chapel in Lamont and after 10 A.M. Thursday, January 20, 2011, at the Methodist Church in Lamont. A message may be sent to the family at www.fawcettsfuneralhome.com under obituaries.