Eldred Hansen

Eldred "Joe" Hansen passed away suddenly at his home on the evening of Dec 2, 2016. He was just two months shy of his 84th birthday. Joe was born and raised in the small town of Piet Retief, in eastern Transvaal, South Africa. In the late 1970's he emigrated to the United States, with his wife and three children, settling in Portage, MI. He worked for the Asgrow Seed Company as a regional sales manager in charge of the Far East and Australasia. He retired in 2001. Joe lived a very full life. He traveled to almost half of the countries in the world and made many friends along the way. He was also a gifted athlete who was accomplished in the sporting fields of boxing, cricket and rugby and excelled in all three. Later in life, he and his wife of 21 years, Char, shared many great adventures including visiting his beloved homeland often. He will always be remembered with great love and fondness in our hearts. Joe is survived by his wife Charlene, sons Peter and Alan, daughter Claire and Stepsons John (Kari) and Billy (Mandy). He was also "Papa" to his beloved grandson Colton whom he adored. There will be a memorial for him on Friday at 2pm Dec 9th, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church, 321 W South ST, Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Church, Wounded Warrior Project or the SPCA.