David Christian Hansen, age 80, went home to be with his Lord late Monday, October 29, 2018, at Faith Hospice of Trillium Woods, Grand Rapids, MI. Dave was born on October 17, 1938, in Belding, the only child of Otto Amble Hansen and Mary Augusta (Sodman) Bussell (Richard) of Belding. Dave graduated from Belding High School in 1957 and received his BBA and MBA from Western Michigan University (life member of WMU Alumni) in Kalamazoo, where he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. On July 1, 1961, he married Joan E. Chickering in Belding. Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Joan, and their family, Terri L. and Eric F. Nelson (Ian and Elliott) of Beaverton, OR and D. Scott and Barbara D. Hansen (Chad) of Grand Rapids, as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Janet (Sanders) Whitney. In September, 1961 Dave enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he was assigned to the U.S.S. Saratoga, CV 60. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1967. He is listed on the Navy Log, The U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, DC. He was a Life Member of American Legion, Post 203 in Belding and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, FOE 4321, Greenville, MI. Dave was a lifelong resident of West Michigan. He had a passion for the life insurance business and strongly believed in giving back to the industry. He started Hansen Brokerage Services, Inc., in 1998 with his son, Scott, who is currently President. His insurance achievements include CLU designation, LIC, ChFC designation and Charter member of Professional Achievement in Continuing Education, The American College. Dave’s awards and past president positions include the President’s Award, State of Michigan Life Underwriters; President’s Award, Life Insurance Leaders of MI, 1988-89; and listed in WHO’S WHO of Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. Also, three related life insurance associations in Western Michigan, General Agents Managers Association (GMMA); Grand Rapids Association of Life Underwriters (GRALU); and Western Michigan Chapter of CLU and ChFC. His most cherished award was the 1994 Distinguished Service Award for Leadership and Community, Grand Rapids Association of Life Underwriters. Dave was so proud when Scott received it in 2013. He was also past president of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church twice; AMBUCS; and Forest Hills Central Athletic Boosters (first time the President had a daughter in athletics). Dave was also a member of Creston Rod & Gun Club. Dave was involved in the following community organizations, Thornapple River Association; Western Michigan Estate Planning Council; Michigan Association of Life Leaders; Association of Health Insurance Agents; United Way 1990 Insurance Fund Raising Coordinator; and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids. He had great love and pride for his family and friends. Dave and Joan traveled, enjoyed playing golf (member of Hole-In-One Club); attended MSU football and basketball games; was an avid trap/skeet shooter (1970 MI Class A Trap Champion); and hunter and fisherman (1998 Spanish Goat, Kaupo Ranch, Haleakala National Park, Maui, HI; 2001 Texas White Tail, Gold Medallion International Safari Club). Visitation will be Friday, November 23 from 12-2 PM and 4-6 PM at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids. At 6 PM military honors for Dave under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard and Navy Honor Guard will take place. A funeral service and committal for immediate family will take place on Saturday. Senior Pastor Robert Linstrom, Trinity Lutheran Church, presiding. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Building Fund, 2700 Fulton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1899 or Clark Retirement Foundation, 1551 Franklin St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
One Response
Thank you so much for your love and dedication of family, profession and your service in the US Navy uncle Dave. You were always a great inspiration to us and you will be greatly missed to all who knew you. May the LORD hold you in his arms for eternity. GOD bless your family in this time of loss. Roger, Soo Young and Holly Swan.