Michael J. Hansen

Michael Jerome Hansen, 80, of Clinton, IA, formerly of Preston, IA, passed away Monday, December 4, at Bickford of Clinton. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 11, at St Joseph Catholic Church in Preston. Friends and family are invited to join in praying the Rosary at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, December 10 at St Joseph Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 10, at the church, as well as one hour prior to Mass on Monday. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Mike was born December 28, 1942, son of Warren and Alice (Kildow) Hansen. He attended Clinton schools including a one-room country school, graduating from Clinton High in 1961. While a junior in high school, Mike joined the Military Reserves. Upon graduating, he enlisted for active duty with the Navy where Mike was deployed as a cook on an aircraft carrier, the USS Randolph. While home on leave from serving his country, Mike met the love of his life, Karen VonAh. What was supposed to be a friendly lift to the train turned into their first date. By the end Mike told Karen, “Someday I’m going to marry you.” Mike lived up to his promise and married Karen on October 24, 1964. Together they raised six children and celebrated 59 years of marriage.

Mike was employed by Alcoa for 33 years, starting in production, quickly working his way up to management. During this time, Mike pursued his desire to live on a farm, moving the family to the 155 acres north of Spragueville, IA. Upon retirement he fulfilled another dream of driving the open roads. He worked for Tri State Travel for 20 years, which he greatly enjoyed, especially when he had a captive audience. Additionally, Mike delivered motor homes as a way to visit his children and grandchildren around the country. In his spare time he drove school bus for Easton Valley.

When Mike wasn’t working, he loved to travel. He and Karen took many long trips on their motorcycle, visiting every county in Iowa and Wisconsin as well as making numerous trips throughout the country, from coast to coast. Mike once rode his motorcycle to Alaska and back, camping in his tent along the way. A week into this trek, he broke his ankle, but that didn’t stop Mike. He finished his more than five-week journey without visiting a doctor.

Mike was active in the community as a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Lions Club, and the Spragueville American Legion. Mike spent a lot of his time – and his kids’ time – volunteering for the Jackson County Republicans, where he was the chairperson on the Central Committee for many years. Mike joined the Preston Town and Country Twirlers Square Dance Club after Karen joined without him. Much to his surprise he realized a love for square dancing. He discovered a hidden talent for planning extended trips, allowing him to combine his passion for travel with his love for this group.

At the center of Mike’s life was his family. He taught his children and grandchildren respect, responsibility, to be part of the solution through service, to lend a hand to those in need, and to take care of whatever you used or owned. Mike is the first to admit he could be a bit ornery, but his kind heart lives on in those he leaves behind.

Michael will be dearly missed by his wife Karen of Clinton; six children, Wendy (Jim) Staab of Jarrell, TX, Kelly Cole of Eldridge, IA, Eric (Angelina) Hansen of Long Grove, IA, Tina (Ted) Gorgos of Plymouth, MN, Col Michael (Brittany) Hansen of Powder Springs, GA, and Jason (Shauna) Hansen of Clinton, IA; 16 grandchildren; one sister, Marla Miller-Carey of Salome, AZ; one sister-in-law Gloria Leiber of La Grange, IL; one brother-in-law, Ted Thoms of Colorado; and many nieces and nephews. Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Alice Hansen; and his sister, Beth Thoms.