Thomas Joel Hansen, age 78, passed away peacefully January 22, 2018 at the Cornerstone Hospice House in The Villages, Fl. He was born on 6/16/1939 to parents Phyllis and Elmer Hansen of Tracy, MN. He is survived by his loving wife Mari of 52 years, daughter Christine (John) Hilton, Son Brian (Jennifer) Hansen, Carrie (Reed) Mahlke, his 10 wonderful grandchildren, Jack, Max, Brayden, Hunter, Tommy, Tallon, Caroline, Paige, Rystrom,Mia, his brother Bill, fantastic sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws and a host of special nieces and nephews.
Tom had many names over the years, TJ, Coo, Coach, Tommy Boy but the ones he cherished most were Dad, Grampa, Brother, Uncle Tom and loving husband.
Tom graduated from Tracy, MN high School in 1957 and after graduating Mankato State University in 1961 went on to teach math in Lamberton, MN for 3 years and 1 year in Hicksville, NY. In 1965 he married Mari Schermerhorn and also began his business career of 38 years with Univac, Sperry, Unisys and Lockheed Martin living in Pennsylvania, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and Burnsville, MN. Tom and Mari retired to The Villages, FL in 2006 but spent summers back in MN to be close to family.
Tom’s favorite motto was “Love Life and Have Fun” and he did that every day in whatever he was doing and with whomever he encountered. His laughter was contagious, his hugs loved by everyone, his personality so infectious that he was able to meet new people wherever he went and most of them became lifelong friends. His ability to make a room full of friends or strangers sing “The 12 Days of Christmas” was incredible.
Tom loved all sports and played basketball until he was 62 but his real passion was golf! His hat tipping and professionalism on and off the course were classic. He was a very good player and people enjoyed (except mom) some of his little instructions while playing with him, whether it was your stance, putting stoke, backswing or grip he always had advice if you wanted to listen. Besides his love of sports, he enjoyed fishing at Leech Lake, reading, playing cards, talking politics or the stock market, but most of all he enjoyed having fun with his numerous friends and his beloved family.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 9 at 11 am at the New Covenant Methodist Church in the Villages, FL. The family is planning another memorial service in Tracy, MN sometime this summer