Barbara E. Hansen's Obituary
Traverse City - Barbara E. Hansen, 85, of Traverse City, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2017 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. She was born July 11, 1932 in Glen Arbor to Roy Hanson and Ruth A.E. LaVance, Barbara moved with her family to Paris, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1950. On September 24, 1953, she married John R. Hansen, and they moved to Lakeview and lived there 25 years. Barbara worked for USPS for 32 years, 16 in Lakeview as clerk, 8 years in Kent City as Post Master, and 8 years in Grawn as Post Master. She was a member of the National League of Post Masters for 16 years, serving 5 years as State Treasurer and several years attended national conventions from Boston to Hawaii, retiring on June 30, 1996. Barbara was a member of Grawn United Methodist Church and recently became Catholic through St. Francis of Assisi parish in Traverse City. She was also formerly a member of the VFW Aux Lakeview, serving as President as well as other offices. Barbara loved working in the yard and garden, making quilts, travel, and sports (all Michigan Teams). She spent the last 7 years at the Grand Traverse Pavilions where she had many friends and loving care givers. She is survived by her daughter Lisa (Walter) Schwall of Grawn; grandsons Kale (Mandy) Stevens of Ionia, MI, and Nathan (Katelyn) Stevens of St. Louis, MO; brothers Lynwood (Della) Hanson of Paris, MI, and Bill (Deb) Hanson of Beaverton, MI; and several great grandchildren Alexa Rae Reynolds, Abigail Ann Stevens, Kailee Alizabeth Stevens, Sara June Stevens, Nolan J. Stevens, Alara Zade Stevens, and soon Tessa Stevens. She was preceded in death by husband John; daughter Karen; grandson Billy; parents Roy and Ruth Hanson; and sister Christine (Denny) Johansen. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Immediately following visitation, there will be a procession to Mt. Carmel Cemetery where a graveside service will take place, officiated by Deacon John Ashmore. A luncheon for friends and family will be held at the St. Mary's Catholic Parish Center in Big Rapids following the graveside service. Her family asks that memorial contributions be directed to Parkinson's Network North, P.O. Box 5734, Traverse City, MIÂ 49696.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?