Robert "Bob" Hansen
February 20, 2016

Robert "Bob" D. Hansen passed away peacefully at King's Daughters Home, Midland, MI into the loving arms of his Savior, Saturday, February 20, 2016. He was born February 25, 1929 in Quincy, IL, the son of the late Walter D. and Helene (Bruenger) Hansen.

Bob graduated with a B.S. degree in chemistry from Valparaiso University with highest distinction in 1950. On July 29, 1950 he married Eleanor "Ellie" Wild in Van Wert, Ohio. He earned his PhD in physical chemistry from Iowa State University in 1953. Bob served two years in the Army Chemical Corp from 1954 - 1956. He was employed by The Dow Chemical Company in Research from 1956-1988. He was awarded many patents and was author of numerous papers. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Metallurgical Society and Sigma Xi. Bob was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church serving on several boards and singing in the choir for 30 years. He was active in the Tax-Aide program, a driver for Senior Services and a member of Kiwassee Kiwanis. Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time up north with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ellie, children Peggy (Kirk) Gerstacker of Midland, Robert D. (Kathleen) Hansen, Jr., of Midland, Jane (Rev. Jeffrey) Draeger of Romeo; grandchildren Christine (Kyle) Suhan of Waxhaw, NC, Sara (Shane) Bennett of Midland, Matthew Hansen and his fiancée Courtney First of Midland, Amy Gerstacker-Parsons (Jimmy) of Midland, Amber Gerstacker of Midland, Rachel Draeger of Medellin, Colombia, Katie Draeger of Romeo; great grandchildren Malekai, Rylen and Austin Suhan, Karli Bennett; sister Rosemary Tobias of St. Louis, MO. He was preceded in death by his sister Charlotte Spear and brothers-in-law George Spear and James Tobias.

Funeral services will take place at 10:30 am, Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 505 E. Carpenter Street, Rev. Daniel Kempin officiating.

Bob's family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler Street, Midland, MI on Tuesday from 4-7 pm, and at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 am until time of services.

Graveside committal rites will take place at Midland Cemetery.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. John's Lutheran Church or the King's Daughters Home where Bob received excellent and loving care.

www.hansenspear.com

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