Robert Dean Hansen


In Memory of Robert Dean Hansen

Funeral Service Saturday August 26, 2017, 10:30 AM at Ohde Funeral Home
Visitation Friday August 25, 2017, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Ohde Funeral Home, Manning
Visitation will resume at 9:30 AM at the funeral home
Lu Baker, Officiant
Music "Hymn of Promise" Recorded
"Because He Lives" Jeff Hansen, Vocalist
"You Are Mine" Congregation
Connie Siepker, Accompanist
Honorary Urn Bearers Bob's nieces and nephews
Interment with Military Honors Hayes Township Cemetery Westside, Iowa
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3517
American Legion Emil Ewoldt Post 22

Robert Dean, son of Fred P. and Hilda (Rowedder) Hansen was born June 24, 1931, at Wyatt Hospital, Manning, Iowa. He lived with his family on a farm west of Manning until 1936 when the family moved to a farm near Gray. He attended schools in Gray, graduating with the Gray High School Class of 1948. He then worked as a hired hand on nearby farms, served a year in the National Guard and was drafted into the United States Army in 1952. He received his basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and then served with the 555th Field Artillery in Korea. While in Korea he and his buddy were both on the front lines. In 1954 Bob was released from active duty and transferred to the Army Reserve to complete his eight years. At the time of his release from active duty Bob returned to farm near Gray. While Bob was serving in Korea his father sustained a farm accident from which he never fully recovered, dying several years later. Bob farmed with his brother Mel and his mother, who according to Bob, "was an awfully good cook." Bob also worked for the Audubon County ASCS. After the death of their mother, Bob and Mel continued farming until moving into Manning in 1991. Mel was not in the best of health and died shortly after their move into town.

Before moving into town Bob had started working at Thrifty Food in 1983 as well as farming. He then worked for Struve Labs for nine years because of his experience raising hogs, retiring in 1995. Bob was a member of First Presbyterian Church; Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars; and member of the American Legion. Over the years Bob was a devoted Iowa Hawkeye fan, attending the Rose Bowl in 1957. He appreciated his many trips with family and dear friends to support the Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs. Bob also loyally supported the Manning Bulldogs and the IKM-Manning Wolves.

Bob's health started to fail in early 2017 and was in the hospital numerous times. His dear nieces and nephews were at his side during his last hospital stay in Des Moines. He died at Mercy Medical Center there on August 16, 2017, at the age of 86 years, 1 month, and 23 days.

Preceding Bob in death are his parents; three brothers: Alvin (Alice Weighton) Hansen, Billy Hansen, and Melvin Hansen; and sister in law LaRue (Hagge) Hansen. Surviving are his brother Fred Orren Hansen of Sac City; sister-in-law Maureen Avery Hansen and numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.


Taken from the 1981 Gray Centennial book
Robert Dean Hansen was inducted into the U.S. Army, August 14, 1952, after serving a year in the Audubon National Guard. He was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for basic training at the Field Artillery Recruit Training Center at which time he received training in fire direction for heavy artillery.

In January he went overseas to Korea and joined the 555th F.A. in the "Punch Bowl" area and for several months served as a forward observer directing fire for the "Triple Nickel." During the 13 months served in Korea, the "Triple Nickel" was attached to the 5th Regimental Combat Team, which was moved often to strengthen various outfits including the 45th Division, 3rd Division, and 1st R.O.K. Army. After mid-April, much time was served in the Chorwon and Kumwha Valley areas with heavy fighting during June and early July before the treaty was signed.

In February of 1954 he returned to the U.S. and was stationed at Camp Carson, Colorado, and served as communications chief for the 538th F.A. until he was discharged on May 14, 1954.


Taken from the 1981 Gray Centennial book
Wayne is not related to Robert but they went to high school together in Gray, and had an interesting situation occur in Korea. Wayne was in a rear position and radioed to the forward position where Robert was...when Robert identified himself, Wayne asked in a surprised way - "Robert, is that you from Gray, Iowa?" and Robert responded "Is that you Wayne?"
Neither one of them had a clue they were serving in the exact same area of Korea until that moment on the radio.

WAYNE D. HANSEN
Wayne D. Hansen was born January 22, 1932, the son of Emil and Hazel Hansen.
Wayne was drafted into the U.S. Army on October 2, 1952, at Camp Crowder, Missouri. He took basic training and leadership training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. Further tour of duty included being in Korea from May 1953 - June 1954 with the 937 F.A. battalion.
Wayne was discharged with the rank of Sgt. on July 2, 1954, at Camp Carson, Colorado.