Stanley James Hansen

Stanley James Hansen

June 29, 1940 - May 2, 2014

BENKELMAN, Neb. -- Stanley James Hansen, well-known gunsmith and farmer in the Benkelman area, passed from his earthly home to his eternal home May 2, 2014.

Stan was born June 29, 1940, the son of Thomas and Mabel Hansen. He attended school in Benkelman and was married to Joleen Fagan for 36 years. To this union two sons were born, Keith and Guy.

In early years, Stan was employed at the Ford garage in Benkelman, attended college in Wichita, Kansas, worked in Texas and graduated from gunsmithing school in Denver. He and his young family moved to Sacramento, California, where he worked as a gunsmith for 10 years. They returned to the family farm in Benkelman in the early 1970s, where Stan farmed and continued gunsmithing.

Stan was an avid sportsman. Among his enjoyments in life were his hunting trips to Canada, Argentina and Africa and his fishing trips to Vancouver Island. Locally, over the years, he enjoyed goose, pheasant, turkey and deer hunting. Frequently, he hunted pronghorn in Wyoming. Stan had a life-long interest in shooting prairie dogs and doves. He particularly enjoyed prairie dog shoots with friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, ValGene and his first wife, Joleen.

Left to mourn his passing are his sons, Keith (Saresa) Hansen of Georgetown, Texas and Guy Hansen (Barbara) of York, Pennsylvania; grandson, Chris (Ann) Hansen of Norman, Oklahoma; brother, Tom Hansen of Omaha; his second wife, of eighteen years, Judy; stepdaughters, Stephanie (Bob) McDonald, Katie (Dan) Gillis and granddaughter, Jordyn Gillis, all of Boise, Idaho; mother-in-law, Elsie Schuman of Morris, Minnesota and brother-in-law, Richard (Gail) Schuman of Atlanta, Georgia. Also left are nieces and families from Omaha, extended family and good friends.

Stan had a deep and abiding faith in the Lord and attended Christian Union Church in Stratton, Nebraska. Viewing is Tuesday, May 6, 3-7 p.m. CDT; funeral is Wednesday, May 7, 1:30 p.m. CDT, both at Christian Union Church in Stratton. Burial immediately following in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Benkelman.

Stan's casket will be closed at services on Wednesday

A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society, NRA, and the Southwest Ducks Unlimited.

Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com

Benkelman Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.