Gerald's dad was a truck driver which in turn influenced Gerald to become one and he drove for Nabisco for three years. After three years of driving a truck, he realized it wasn't for him. One day he just happened to be driving by the Air Force recruiting office and decided to enlist. He spent several years in Japan before being stationed at Chennault in Lake Charles. Gerald was proud of his military service and served in the United States Air Force from May 1956 until May 1960 and rose to rank of Airman 1st Class. When he was stationed in Chennault, his roommate at the time did not have a car, so he would drive his friend to his girlfriend's house. Through his friend's girlfriend, he met his future wife, Jeannette, at the Cal Cam Fair which turned out to be their first date. They met in October, were engaged in December, and finally married in February. They were married for 54 years before she passed in September 2014. They loved to dance and he taught her the polka. Gerald was employed by Himont where he would retire after 32 years of service. In his later years, Gerald loved attending the monthly L.I.F.T. (Living Information for Today), a social program for Widows/Widowers program in Sulphur, Louisiana, hosted by Jody Tyler.
He is survived by his son, James B. Hansen and son-in-law Brent McRoberts of Grand Junction, Colorado; brother, Lowell Hansen (Bonnie) of Denmark, Wisconsin; along with his sister and brother-in-law, Veryl and Melvin Kiekhaefer (Mel) of Neenah, Wisconsin; numerous nieces and nephews, and a special nephew, Lucas Ellender; along with a sister-in-law, Ramona Ellender, who was more like a daughter.
Gerald is preceded in death by his wife, Jeannette Hansen; parents, Jim and Gladys; and his brother, Gordon Hansen.
A Celebration of Gerald's life will be held at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 10:00 am, with Hixson Celebrant Jody Tyler. Visitation will be at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Friday, from 8:30 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Mimosa Pines South Cemetery in Carlyss, Louisiana.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com.
