Submitted by: Dan Rich

Willard Arthur Hansen

Dec. 8, 1917 - Aug. 12, 2008

South Bend Tribune 8/14/2008
SOUTH BEND - Willard Arthur "Bud" Hansen, 90, residing in South Bend, IN, passed away at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008, in the Ironwood Health & Rehabilitation Center, South Bend. Bud was born in South Bend, IN, on December 8, 1917, where he remained all of his life. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Evelyn (Frederickson) Hansen on December 2, 1980; his brother Leonard in 1962; his father, Niels Peter Hansen in 1969; and by his remarkable mother, Anna Sorensen Hansen in 1975. Bud attended Central High School where he was known as the Great Dane. He graduated in 1935. He married Evelyn Frederickson on February 5, 1941, and had five children, all who survive. They are Janice D. Baum of Mishawaka, Nancy (Glenn) Nevelle of Portage, MI, Carol (John) Everly of Fort Wayne, IN, James Hansen of South Bend, IN, and Eric Hansen of Granger, IN. He retired in 1982 as a salesman for the Schafer Company, and proudly served his country during WW II in the United States Army. Bud was an avid sportsman and also enjoyed camping and traveling. He was also active in his church activities at Faith United Methodist Church. In his later years his love turned to computers. After retiring he went back to school to take several computer classes. He spent most of his winters in Bradenton, Florida, during the past 20 years where he put his computer knowledge to work by writing a newsletter and keeping the treasury records for the condominium complex where he resided.

He was active in supporting all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their sporting activities. He has 11 grandchildren, Jennifer (Hal) Bisig, James (Missy) Hansen Jr., Tim (Haydee) Everly, Tracy Everly (Phil) Peters, Bobby Baum, Barbara Baum, Kimberly (Herb) Hansen, Kathryn Nevelle, Glenn (Jan) Nevelle, Krista (Tom) Doyle and Valerie Hansen. His great-grandchildren include Amanda Nevelle, Ashley and Alexandra Nevelle, Jacob and Jenna Peters, Claudia and Tommy Doyle, Peyton, Dillyn, Logan and Aiden Hansen, Scott Szczechowski, Hannah Bisig, Carlee, Carsen and Christian Everly, James and Allayah Hansen, and Sophia Evelyn Hansen. Leonard's two sons survive, Skip Hansen of Arizona and Douglas Hansen of California. Our family would like to thank all of the staff at Madison Center, the Ironwood Health & Rehab Center and Harbor Light Hospice for their loving care during our father's stay. They are a shining example of compassion and kindness to those who are suffering from dementia.

Services will be at noon Saturday, Aug. 16th, in the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend. Rev. Keith McFarren will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15th, and one hour prior to services on Saturday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Hansen may be made to the Alzheimer's Services, 922 East Colfax Ave., South Bend, IN 46617; or to Harbor Light Hospice, 4330 Miami Street, South Bend, IN 46614.