Richard F. Hansen

Richard F. Hansen

Iowa City

Richard F. Hansen, 91, died May 27, 2023, in Coralville, Iowa, from injuries sustained in an accidental fall. He passed surrounded by family. He was born April 20, 1932, in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Rasmus and Florence Hansen. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1950. He attended Iowa State University, receiving a Bachelor of Architecture in 1955. He earned many academic awards and was involved in campus activities, including serving as student body president.

After returning from two years of service in the United States Navy, he married his wife of 65 years, Barbara Mound, whom he met at Iowa State. They lived in Mason City for six years where he worked for an architectural firm. In 1963 they moved to Iowa City, Iowa, and he and two of his college roommates established Hansen Lind Meyer (HLM), an architectural firm. The firm flourished, established offices in six cities across the country, becoming the second largest hospital design firm in the nation, known for bringing beauty and functional space to health care facilities. Richard oversaw the planning in the late 1960s of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics’ vast expansion. The firm received several national and state level awards, including the American Society of Interior Designers for its cutting-edge work.

Richard was elected a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects in 1983 and served on numerous national and state committees. He became president of the Iowa Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in 1971. He was a member of the Iowa Board of Architectural Examiners from 1978 – 1984, serving as president from 1980 – 1981.

Richard played a role in the redevelopment of downtown Iowa City, serving as the president of Business Development, Inc. HLM, designing Plaza Center One and setting the stage for the vibrant pedestrian and retail downtown that characterizes Iowa City today.

Richard was a strong advocate for college education and established a Lectureship Series at the College of Design at Iowa State University and, with Barbara, a Lectureship Series at the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa. He served on both the advisory board of the Department of Architecture and the advisory board of the College of Engineering at Iowa State University from 1971 – 1975. He was a member of the Board of Governors at Iowa State. He and Barbara established the Hansen Prize in 2004 at Iowa State to recognize the winner(s) of a design studio competition held in conjunction with the Richard F. Hansen Lecture in Architecture. He was an adjunct professor to the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa. He was named a Distinguished Friend of the University of Iowa Alumni Association in 2011.

Barb and Dick first visited Sanibel Island, Fla., in 1987, and upon retirement bought a condo there in 1982. He was active in his church there and became a Moderator. He volunteered at the Sanibel Elementary School, which he thoroughly enjoyed, and was named volunteer of the year in 2011, an award he cherished. Richard and Barbara’s pride and joy were their three children, Kristen, Steven and Mark. They were equally proud of and loved their seven grandchildren.

Richard was a pilot and enjoyed flying. He loved fishing both in Canada and on the bay waters of Sanibel. He was a member of the Hawkeye Fishing Club, which went fishing in Canada for 43 consecutive years.

Dick and Barb traveled extensively in their retirement across both the United States and around the world. Their trips included two African safaris, across Europe, and a tour to the Holy Lands led by their minister. They spent summers and the Christmas holidays in Iowa City, visiting family and friends.

He liked to bike and was an avid reader. He particularly enjoyed reading while listening to the Gulf waters. Most of all, he enjoyed being surrounded by his family. He will be missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. R.P. Hansen; a sister, Mary of Reno, Nev.; and his wife, Barbara Elizabeth (Mound) Hansen. He is survived by three children and seven grandchildren: Kristen (Brian and Nathan Gallagher) of Oak Park, Ill.; Steven (Angela; David, Matthew, Adalette) of Rockville, Md.; and Mark (Jennifer; Katherine, Michael) of Palatine, Ill.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to:

-The University of Iowa Center for Advancement, Richard and Barbara Hansen Leadership Award and Distinguished Lecture Series, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52245

-The Iowa State University Foundation, College of Design, P.O. Box 2230, Ames, IA 50010-2230

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.lensingfuneral.com.