Gerald “Jerry” Edward Hansen of Ogontz, passed away Wednesday July 23 2008 at the Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba, surrounded by his family, following a lengthy illness.

Gerald was born October 4, 1937 to Ed and Wilma (Sebeck) Hansen.  He was baptized and confirmed of the Lutheran faith.  Jerry was raised in Ensign, Gladstone and Escanaba, graduating from Escanaba High School in 1956. 

Jerry worked for Glenn Caswell Auto Sales and Chicago Northwestern Railroad before owning and operating Jerry’s Auto Sales and Mobile Homes.  In 1961 he married Clara “Jean” Seymour.

Jerry’s hobbies included hunting, working on and selling cars, and working in his yard, especially his garden.  He was an avid NASCAR fan and his favorite drivers were Dale Earnhardt Jr. & Sr.

Survivors include:

5 daughters: Carolyn (Art) Beauvais of Escanaba; Nancy (Frank) Kolich of Escanaba; Terri (Brian) Bowden of Escanaba; Wendy (Keith) LaChapelle of Perkins; Shelly Hansen of Jacksonville, FL

1 son: Jerry (Angela) Hansen of Green Bay, WI

12 grandchildren: Jason, Jesse and Jill Beauvais, Ashley, Whitney and Frankie Kolich, Brandon and Billy Bowden, Jason Henderson, Elizabeth and Kaitlyn LaChapelle and Gunnar Hansen.

5 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Brent Bowden in 2008.

Jerry’s family will receive friends on Saturday July 26, 2008 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.  Funeral services celebrating the life of Gerald Edward Hansen will follow at 6:00 PM on Saturday at the Skradski Funeral Home with Pastor Terri Branstrom officiating.  Burial will take place at the Ogontz Cemetery.