Hansen, Willis Duane

Willis Duane Hansen, 78, died at Western Home Communities Martin Health Center on Monday, Oct. 1, 2012.

Willis was born July 7, 1934, in Goldfield, Iowa, the son of Gilbert Sr. and Beatrice (Lister) Hansen. Willis graduated from Lincoln High School in Vinton in 1952. Willis served his country in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958, stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Wash.

On Sept. 4, 1955, Willis was united in marriage with Charlene “Susie” Wilson at the Vinton Presbyterian Church. Willis was an active member of the Vinton Presbyterian Church and had served as elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher and lay preacher.

Willis served as the office manager of the USDA in Benton County. He was a farmer as well as a self-employed contractor. He enjoyed life and loved nature and spending time with family and friends.

Willis is survived by his wife; a son, Kris (Sue) Hansen of Cedar Falls; a grandson, Josh (Stacy) Hansen of Janesville; a granddaughter, Sara (Mike Moreland) Hansen of Cedar Falls; great-granddaughters, Alayna and Westin of Cedar Falls; and two brothers, Gilbert Jr. (Rose) Hansen of Vinton and Keith (Barb) Hansen of Hampton.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Vinton Presbyterian Church, 608 First St., Vinton, with the Rev. Charles Orr officiating. Visitation also will be held at the church in the fellowship hall from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Memorial funds have been established at Vinton Presbyterian Church, 608 First St., Vinton, IA 52349; and Western Home Communities, 420 E. 11th St., Cedar Falls, IA 50613.

Condolences may be sent to the family at: .

Published in The Gazette Oct. 2, 2012.