Robert "Bob" Russell Hansen

Robert “Bob” Russell Hansen passed away Monday, January 30 in Sioux City, IA at the age of 99.9 years

Bob was born Feb. 25, 1923, in Emerson, NE and graduated from Emerson High School. He served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 in an anti-aircraft radar unit and also as program director within the Armed Forces Radio Services. He had the noble honor of announcing the end of World War II to allied troops in the Pacific theater from WVTI, Cebu, Philippines. Following his return from the war, he graduated from Wayne State College, Wayne, NE, where he met his lifetime wife and musical accompanist, Constance (Connie) Johnson. They were married June 18, 1949, in Sioux City and enjoyed over 69 years of harmony together.  Their fitting epitaph is, “God blessed their music and made the world beautiful.”  Bob was employed as the night city editor & columnist at the Sioux City Journal and also worked in radio for KTRI in Sioux City & WJAG in Norfolk, NE.  

Bob's hobbies involved singing, theatrical productions, and civic outreach ministries. In 1985 he sang the National Anthem for his favored Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. He was a baritone soloist at the Grandview Park Bandshell for 50 years and also performed in numerous area musical productions. He volunteered at the Senior Center as the editor of the Sunshine News and delivered Meals-on-Wheels for over 25 years. He taught classes, conducted and sang within numerous church choirs and the Nordic Chorus. He deeply loved Jesus, his family, and people.  He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and Lion's Club.

Survivors include his daughter, Seri Boettcher of Tucson, AZ, two sons, William Hansen of Overland Park, KS, and Jon (Pamela) Hansen of Greenville, TX, three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, the care staff at Sunrise Retirement Community and his loving and devoted nurse advocate, Joni Dohma.  He was preceded in death by his wife, parents William & Martha Anena (Johnson) Hansen, and his sister, Wilma (Sandstede) Kingston.

A Celebration of Life service with military honors will be held at Morningside Lutheran Church, 700 S. Martha St, Sioux City, IA on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 10:30am with Revs Tom LoVan and Scott Squires officiating.  Those wishing to join virtually may do so by following this link:  https://youtube.com/live/SA8FLDZ3WGI. A church reception and interment at Graceland Cemetery, Sioux City will follow.  Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations are recommended to be made to Unbound, PO Box 219114, Kansas City, MO 64121, http://www.unbound.org and Friends of Sunrise Retirement Community, 5501 Gordon Drive East, Sioux City, IA 51106, https://sunriseretirement.com/support-us.

Though the family can't begin to express how much we will miss Dad, we celebrate his life and legacy.  Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.  The Lord be with you all!  2 Th 3:16