Howard "Buck" Hansen

Howard “Buck” Hansen passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 93 on Sunday, December 19, 2021 in Park Falls, WI. He is survived by his loving partner of 42 years, Gayle Brandt. He is predeceased by his oldest son Dennis Hansen and is survived by his children Christine (m. Justin Brown), and Brad, as well as Gayle’s son, Jamie (m. Mary Rheinschmidt) Brandt. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Tricia (m. Kerry McCormick), Hilary (m. Matt Pasarello), and David (m. Alexandra Brown), as well as two great-grandchildren Emma and Tatum Brown. Howard was the oldest son born to Howard and Helen Hilgart in Milwaukee, WI on November 22, 1928. He had four siblings Virginia, Robert, Donald and Dick Hansen, who predeceased him. At the age of 19, he married Eleanor Dennis, and raised three children together before divorcing. Naturally inclined toward conceptual thinking and mechanics, Howard became a master mechanic for Heiser Ford in his early 20s. He also acquired his pilot’s license at this time but did not pursue aviation professionally. He started his own business, Howard Hansen Excavating, in which he was the owner and operator for over 30 years of a first-of-its-kind hydraulic excavator. He was also a member of the Excavating and Graders Association. He semi-retired early to rebuild a family home on Hansen Lake outside of Park Falls, WI where he happily lived out his remaining years with Gayle and their dogs, currently Daisy Mae. Buck, or often "Uncle Buck", was known for his big heart, philosophical mind, and love of good conversation. He had a magnetic presence to both humans and animals alike. There was always hot coffee or a cold beer for anyone who happened by, not to mention a scoop of seeds for any chipmunk willing to have its head scratched by a gentle giant. But it was his signature meals and his Manhattans that drew the crowds. A perfectionist and a bit incredulous by nature, Buck was also known for confounding those who tried to get him to buy into an argument or did not perform a job up to his standard. But most of all, he was predisposed to see the good in both people and animals and had a difficult time seeing the bad. He loved his family, his friends, Hansen Lake, and great meals. He will be dearly missed by many. In lieu of flowers, donate to the charity of your choice or to Howard's favorite charities, St. Jude, Salvation Army, or Catkins Animal Rescue. A memorial service will be announced. Birch Street Funeral Service is assisting the family. www.birchstreetfuneralservice.com

Howard "Buck" Hansen

November 22, 1928 - December 19, 2021