Our beloved Grandpa Ted (b. Aug. 30, 1935, Chicago, lL), residing in Bowling Green, Ohio, passed away on Oct. 27 at 89. He was a family man, an Air Force veteran (cryptography), professor and community volunteer. He was a graduate of Macalester College, MN and Arizona State U-Tempe. ln his youth he worked on family farms with plow horses, played baseball on the town team and tennis with cousins. He was a certified Ham Radio operator. A gifted pianist and lyrics writer, he also enjoyed gardening and tree planting. He was a fine father, a fun storyteller, a voice of love. A gentle soul, his compassion, kindness and wisdom touched the hearts and minds of thousands. Even as suffering, he was caring about others.
Ted Hansen’s teaching career began at U of Wisconsin–Whitewater. His specialty was linguistics, including Middle English. He next taught at St. Cloud State U, MN, English courses in literature, dialects and grammar, plus History of the English Language. He was a developer and instructor of the first SCSU student computer lab. He did early research in Al. Ted taught in prisons, helping the incarcerated write poetry and got them published. He read daily news for the blind on the SCSU, MN radio station. He played trumpet for city outdoor concerts. Ted enjoyed New Orleans jazz and 1940’s Big Band sounds. Ted was a Habitat for Humanity volunteer and was on the SCSU Campus Ministry Board of Directors. He was a private pilot and enjoyed golf without a cart. He was in church choirs as he and his spouse Marge served community needs across the Midwest. ln retirement, Ted was a UCC Lay School of Theology graduate and invited for pulpit supply in Ohio churches. His voice was magnetic, deep and calming. ln MI he taught at Mott Community College, drawing in all ages. He solved countless crossword puzzles and was impossible to beat at Scrabble. These are but a sampling of his full and giving nature.
Ted Hansen, Jr. is survived by former spouse Amy Engebretson, and his current spouse Marjorie MairHansen, his sister Sheryl Hansen, and all 5 children of this blended family: Rebecca Hansen, Jonathan Hansen (Eric), Laura Hansen Smead (Rory), Roger LaPointe (Janna) & David LaPointe (Kendra). Surviving also are 7 grandchildren, Andrew, Luke, Aiden, Jackson, Gabe, Shaelyn and Corbin, to carry on his legacy. Departed are his parents, Ted, Sr- and Frances McClenahan Hansen, his sister Marilyn Hansen Stone (David), cousins Leo, Richard, Jim, and his early spouse Martha Wms. Shannon. Other surviving family include Lisa Lawson, cousins Linda and Sally, nephews Ruy, Noah and nieces, Harriet, Reina.
Ted has already had cremation as attended by Rev. Jeff Schooley, First Presbyterian Church BG. He is in the care of the Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home, having passed away peacefully in the Heritage Corner Memory Care Unit after years of illness, while well supported by Bridge Hospice. A memorial gathering has yet to be planned. He will be buried at a future date in the family farm cemetery, lllinois, with full military honors. Donations in his honor may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Bowling Green, OH and Bridge Hospice, OH. We miss him. Hoping you had the pleasure of meeting this amazing fellow.
