Joseph Hansen

Joseph Peter Hansen, 86, of Gilman, IL, died on Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at the Park Place Long Term Care Unit in Mt. Pleasant. Visitation will be held at the Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman, IL, on Sunday, November 27th from 4 to 6 p.m. with the Rosary following the visitation. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 28th at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Gilman. Memorials may be directed to the Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mt. Pleasant. He was born on February 24, 1925, to Emil and Hazel (Hanson) Hansen in Gilman, IL. On June 27, 1944, he married Mary Sheehan in Ohio. She preceded him in death on February 26, 1972. Joe served in the United States Army during WWII and was stationed in France and Germany. He became a Golden Gloves Boxing Champion following his discharge from the service. Joe was employed by the Illinois Central Railroad and retired from there after 45 years of service. He became a deputy sheriff following his retirement. For 27 years, he served as an alderman for the West Ward of Gilman. He was a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign War and the Immaculate Conception Church in Gilman. He is survived by five daughters: Sharon(Chuck) Bargmann and Kathy (John) Ark all of Piper City, IL, Mary (Marlin) Redenius and Patty (Rich) Crozier all of Gilman, IL, and Peggy (Monte) Knudsen of Mt. Peasant IA; one son, Joe (Tammy) Hansen of Gilman, IL; a son-in-law Bob (Karen) Small of Gilman, IL; 27 Grandchildren; 32 Great Grandchildren; and one brother, Richard Hansen of Gilman, IL. He was preceded in death by: his wife, parents; a daughter, Connie Small; and brothers, Ed, John, and Bob Hansen.