Russ Hansen

Russ Hansen, 82, of Princeton, IL passed away Thursday, September 29, 2016 in his home with his family present at his bedside. Russ was born April 14, 1934 in Mineral Township to Albert and Mary “Leota” (Bolin) Hansen with the given name, Charles Russell Hansen. He grew up in the Mineral farming community and attended the Sheffield Schools through his high school graduation, where he was active in track, football, and basketball sport programs. On December 31, 1952 Russ married Gloria Ann Dabler in the parsonage next to the Manlius Baptist Church. They were happily married and devoted to one another for 63 ¾ years. She survives. Also surviving are his children, a son Steve (Heidi) Hansen of Princeton and a daughter Vicki (Dave) Stuart of Peru. There are four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren: Brock (Charmaine) Hansen of Princeton with great-granddaughters, Gracelynn and Piper: Matt (Kate) Anson of Edwardsville with great- grandchildren, Gwen, Thomas and Eva; Amanda Cox of Princeton with great- grandson, Grady; Adam (Allison) Anson of Minonk with great- grandsons, Lucas and Noah. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Russ was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Vernon and his wife Lois; his sister, Irene and her husband LaVern House and a niece, Connie Meyer. Russ held various jobs throughout his life. He started out in 1952 working for the Sheffield Lumber and Brickyard and also as a farm hand on the Quickle farm near Buda. When he moved to Malden, IL in 1957 he had worked for Harper Wyman and Champion. He worked alongside Rex Morse in carpentry and went to work at LTV steel (J&L). In 1971 Russ went to work for FS Bureau Service and retired in 1996. He was a very talented man who took great pride in his work. If it was broke, Russ could fix it and if it needed to be built, Russ could build it and if it had him puzzled, he knew who to ask. He had the opportunity to meet the majority of farmers in Bureau County over his 25 years of service to FS Bureau Service (Ag View). After his retirement he enjoyed meeting and greeting people at his part- time job for Precision Car Wash. The 20 years he lived in Malden, he was actively involved with the Malden Volunteer Fire Dept., Malden Village Water Dept., served various positions with Malden United Methodist Church and Malden Town Board. The 38 years he lived in Princeton he was involved with the First United Methodist Church and their mission trips. He served on the church board also. He was a past member of the Princeton Moose, Princeton Elks, and the Princeton Lions Club. Russ was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend. He enjoyed square- dancing, camping, fishing, gardening and mostly helping his kids. He loved to talk about the Bears and Cubs with his grandsons. He loved family gatherings and loved to tease and joke with the kids, attending as many sports activities and special events that they all participated in over the years.