Gunnar Hansen
September 6, 1916 - March 11, 2013

"My name is Scott and I am one of Gunnar's 4 Grandchildren. While we are here to mourn his passing, I would like to also celebrate his life. When I reflect on Grandpa, I think of how many things he was to so many of us who had the gift of him in our lives. But, one thing that was common to all of us was.....his character. The first think that comes to mind when you hear the name, Gunnar Hansen. I think about the business man. After the years of growing up on the family farm with his parents, Bestafa and Bestamo, picking corn by hand with his brothers, and another 15 years with Verna (or "Vern" as he called her) on their own farm. In 1955, he took over an implement business that became "Hansen Motor & Implement. This is a man with a 10th grade education. No accounting or business schooling. Yet, he had all he needed......his character that was made of determination, fortitude and most importantly, the ability to connect with people. I heard, repeatedly over the years and even more frequently in the past few days, that Gunnar was genuine and honest. If you put in a low offer, he would laugh and maybe just walk away. But in the end, you always felt you got a fair deal and kept coming back. Someone said that if he had sold John Deere, he probably would have controlled the whole state of Iowa. If you dig through the web, you will find stories of people who worked for or were affected by Hansen Motors. When I was a kid and I would to Latimer to visit Grandma and Grandpa, people would ask "Who are you?" I learned to simply answer, "Gunnar's Grandson." A big smile and lots of stories would follow. Often involving farm equipment. I remember trick or treating in Latimer. At each stop I would hear more stories and all I wanted to do was to get to the next house for more candy. Looking back, the real treats were the stories about Grandpa. I realized quickly, as a kid, that this was a man whose character I would like to live up to and I am still trying. The bar is set very high. When I think about Grandpa, I often think about cars. His beloved cars. There is a 1980 song by the singer, Blonde, called "Rapture. The songs lyrics include "cadillacs, Lincolns too, Mercuries and Subarus. He had each of these cars over the years and everytime I hear that song I think of Grandpa. Grandpa would talk, almost mischeviously, with a smirk on his face, about having the first V8 in the county. If you want details on what might be behind that smirk, you might have to talk to Grandpa's Sister, Irma. Grandpa would pick up Grandma, when they were dating, in a 1932 Ford with red wheels. Again a smirk. He had his Lincoln Continental phase, the MarkV. The longer the hood and the less mileage it would get, was even better. He would cruise along listening to his Marty Robbins 8-tracks and checking in with the farmers on the CB radio. Now that is traveling in style.......and never a dirty car!!! He did have a weak moment and bought a Frod Escort Station Wagon. Sorry if any of you have one, but this was just not his style. He found it too noisy so he put foam rubber all over the engine under the hood. When he was 88 yrs. old, he bought his Chrysler 300 with chrome wheel. Guess they didn't offer red ones!! Many of you shared that you would see him cruising Hampton and Latimer until very recently with his walker and all. Again, his fortitude, pride and sense of purpose kept him where he was most happiest....on wheels. About a year ago, he failed his driving test. He asked the tester why he failed. The tester could not come up with a real valid reason, except that he was 95 yrs. old. Grandpa asked what he could do to get "a second opinion?" He wrote an appeal letter to the state of Iowa and they gave him a provisional drivers license!! When I think about Grandpa, I think about his $1 bets. They were always a dollar but there was so much more on the line. He always bet on the Iowa Hawkeyes. I heard someone tell me that he told Grandpa that he could not make that long putt. Gunnar asked for a $1 bet and sure enough, he made the putt and never let the person forget it!! I remember when I was a kid, I would go to the coffee shop across from the dealership. Grandpa was likely the only Democrat in the shop but those conversations around the table gave me a better education than any political science class I had ever received since. I think about another very happy place with Grandpa. Him in his easy chair with a Grandchild or Great-Grandchild in his lap. There were many laughs there. I think about his knee slapping and laugh-out-loud sense of humor. Most importantly, when I think about Grandpa, I think about his committment to his family. He was happiest with his family and friends and it showed. Most of all, I think about his life with Grandma, Verna. The funeral bulletin said it well. He liked spending time doing whatever Verna wanted. He just wanted to be with her. Five years ago in this very church, I watched Grandpa. It was clear he was quietly and solumnly reflecting on the 68 years of wonderful memories he shared with Grandma. She was his "everything." He continued to reflect and remained close to his beloved wife in spirit. We heard many people say that they would see Gunnar's car at the cemetary just so he could be close to her. Gunnar and Verna were married on March 15, 1940. They are now together holding hands once again. They will have their 73rd wedding anniversary tomorrow. Grandpa, you will be missed but always remembered. We love you."

"We were so blessed when Stephanie became part of our family -- and really double blessed when we met her precious grandparents!! Both of her Grandparents left such a wonderful memory for all of us..I will never forget my visit up there.. really a wonderful experience for this "Southern Girl". We send much love to all of her family! Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you... Elizabeth and Robert Tickner"

"Gunnar was a wonderful grandpa! He was positive, selfless, and fun-loving. He had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. He always put everyone else first, and he was a great role model for his grandchildren. I adored him, and he had such an impact on my life! My time spent in the summer with my grandparents in Iowa are some of the best memories of my life, and I will treasure them always! "

"Some of the great grandchildren with Grandpa."

"He was a perfect grandfather - the best anybody could have. He always had a twinkle in his eye and never had a harsh word to say. He left an enduring imprint on every life that he touched. He won't be forgotten."

"He was the best Father-in-Law any girl could ask for. He was endearing, funny and most of all he dearly loved his family. I will miss him so much. Heaven has a new angel."

"Gunnar was the best. I was young in buisness and Gunnar hired me instead of the "bigger company" to install his city sewer. This prompted his neighbors to use me as well. What a shot in the arm for a young guy starting in buisness. I was setting in front of Koerner Whipple pharmacy a year or so ago and watched Gunnar through the window. He shuffled along, with walker, looking for a card. When he came out, i met him at the door and asked if i could assist him to his car. While doing so i asked, "what brings you up town Gunnar. He said, "To get a card for someone." Returnig to my car i just sat their and summed it up. That has always been Gunnar, caring for others no matter the obstacle to himself. He will always be a geat memory. Sincerely Reg Morton"