Hans Mikkel Hanson, 68, passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Hans was born May 29, 1946 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Wilma (Helle) Hanson and Armand Hanson. He was baptized twice, first on July 2 and then a confirmed baptism on September 22, 1946. In 1960 he was confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Thornton, IA. He graduated from Meservey-Thornton High School in 1964. Hans served with the United States Marine Corp in 1966-69.

On June 24, 1968 he married the love of his life Sonja Rachut.

Hans attended Luther College and Wartburg College and completed his bachelor's and master's in Education at Drake University.

He was employed with the Des Moines Police Department from 1972-1991. During this time he briefly taught at Des Moines Technical High School. Hans retired as a Lieutenant from the DMPD. He then worked over 20 years as the Chief of Security and Head of Postal Operations from 1991-2013 for Drake University. While at Drake University, Hans was awarded the Spirit of Drake Award in 2010.

Hans was a proud marine and served in the Vietnam War near Da Nang. He especially loved tinkering at the family Thunderbolt Farm in Thornton, IA, fixing up and driving his Chevy Tracker SUV convertible, attending grandchildren activities, fishing, relaxing, and simply being Norwegian.

Hans is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sonja, his children Julie (Kevin) Quass, Frankie (Kevin Tu) Hanson, and Conrad (Wendy) Hanson; his grandchildren Colin Quass, Berit Quass, Rondi Quass and Christopher Tu; his sister Linda (David) Hopper; his brother Ben (Kay) Hanson; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Hans was preceded in death by his parents Armand and Wilma Hanson.

Visitation will be 4-8pm Tuesday at St. Mark Lutheran Church where he was a member. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mark Lutheran Church 1105 Grand Ave, West Des Moines. A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday from 1-2pm at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thornton, IA. Following cremation, his mortal remains will be interred at Elmwood Cemetery, Mason City, IA. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: 1/7 Marines Memorial Monument www.17marines.com/17-memorial.html, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, the local Salvation Army, or a charity of the donor's choice in loving memory of Hans.

Hans was a good man, loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Semper Fi