Edwin Hansen

Edwin Charles Hansen, 82, of West Fargo, N.D., passed away unexpectedly Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, at Essentia Hospital in Fargo. 

Ed was born on July 4, 1936 and was always known as our big firecracker. The son of Oscar and Nettie (Benson) Hansen, he grew up on a farm near Oakes, N.D. He was the baby of a large family with seven older siblings.  In 1953, Ed joined the Air Force Reserve. He was stationed in Kansas and was honorably discharged in 1957.  Upon return from the Air Force, Ed met the love of his life, Jan (Kempel) in 1958. They married on June 21, 1959, and together raised three children, Kevin, Bobby and JoDee, in Harwood, N.D.  Ed’s early years were spent working at nearby farms as a hired man, driving semi for the USPS, and hanging from scaffolds sealing exterior windows on commercial construction projects. He understood the value of a strong work ethic and spent his life working hard to provide for his beloved family.  He loved being out on the road driving his routes for Pepsi, where he spent 22 years. He drove over 1 million miles accident-free until his retirement.

Forever the storyteller, Ed made friends with most everyone who crossed his path. He was a passionate man who wasn’t afraid to share his opinion – and maybe just a little stubborn, but could always be counted on when needed. He was a card shark in the games of pinochle and whist and most likely saw every episode of M.A.S.H. He and Jan enjoyed an occasional day trip making donations to their favorite casino. Time with his family was always treasured.  His friends were an important part of his life, and he enjoyed keeping in touch whether it be through phone calls, having coffee at the Harwood store, connecting as a longtime member of the Harwood Legion, snowmobiling, building projects, card tournaments or visiting with neighbors. Special thanks to those special friends who helped during these last years when health challenges became more frequent.

Ed is survived by his wife and partner of 59 years, Jan, his son Bobby (Beth), daughter JoDee (Ted), daughter-in-law Sheri, and grandchildren Dustin, Jacob and Hannah, and great grandson – his buddy, Kevin, and his sister Beatrice (Albert), several nieces and nephews, and his favorite granddog Jimmy.

Preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Nettie, his in-laws Adam and Frieda, son Kevin, siblings Les (Fern), Lloyd (Marie), Johnny, Robert (Marge), Donald (Mavis), Betty (Hugh), and nieces/nephews.

And as Ed would sign off most every conversation whether it be March, June or December, “Merry Christmas.”

 Visitation: Thursday, October 11, 2018 starting at 3 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo.

Memorial Service: Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 4 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo.

Burial: Friday, October 12, 2018 at 1 PM at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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