Melvin Carl Hansen

Melvin “Mel” Hansen passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024, at the age of 91. He was born on March 21, 1933 in Omaha, Nebraska. Preceded in death by his wife Margaret Hansen and his parents Carl and Ella Hansen, he is survived by son Paul Hansen and sister Eileen Bode.

Mel attended Central High School in Omaha where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. He was selected as the intercity and all-state center in football in 1950. Mel graduated with a B.S. in Agronomy and Plant Science from the University of Nebraska in 1956. He served three years in the U.S. Navy and then returned to complete his master’s degree at Purdue University, where he received an M.S. in Agronomy and Plant Physiology in 1962. While at Purdue, Mel met the love of his life, Margaret Soderstrom. They married in 1962 and relocated to California shortly afterwards. Mel worked for 30 years in agriculture and the seed business with the Upjohn Company, first with Tuco, Upjohn’s agricultural chemical division, and later with Asgrow, their vegetable seed division.

Mel was a member of North Stockton Rotary, where he held numerous positions including club president in 1994-1995. He started Seeds of Hope in 1993, which was a club project that provided vegetable seeds to impoverished communities around the world, helping them to establish school and community gardens. In 2006, Mel received the Service Above Self Award from Rotary International, the highest award recognizing individual Rotarians. In 2008, North Stockton Rotary honored him by naming a scholarship after him, which is awarded to an area high school senior attending a four-year university.

Assisting the less fortunate and helping to alleviate hunger was one of his true passions. He made numerous trips to Central America to oversee the Seeds of Hope project and help with other humanitarian projects. As a real “people person” at heart, Mel enjoyed meeting new people, socializing with friends, and spending time with his family. He was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed watching football, baseball, and basketball. His favorite sports team was the San Francisco 49ers.

A celebration of life will be held at DeYoung Shoreline Chapel in Stockton on Saturday, January 25th at 10:00 am and a reception will follow. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the North Stockton Rotary Endowment (PO Box 7184, Stockton, CA 95267) or to an organization of your choice. The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at O’Connor Woods and Vitas Hospice for their compassionate caregiving.