Martin George Hanse Sr.

HANSE, MARTIN GEORGE “MARTY” SR., 74, passed to eternal life in his sleep on November 20, 2014 at the Episcopal Church Home in Louisville, following a long illness. Mr. Hanse was born January 8, 1940 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Frederick and Christine.

Following honorable service in the United States Marine Corps (1959-1963), Marty was employed by United Parcel Service (UPS), rising from package driver to Vice President of International Operations, UPS Airlines, from which he retired in 1999. During his outstanding UPS career (1963-1999), Marty unselfishly promoted, mentored and counseled many subordinate employees, compassionately caring for them and their families in the process. As a senior UPS executive, Marty Hanse played a key role in bringing the UPS Airlines international hub to Louisville, resulting in thousands of quality jobs for area residents. Throughout his 36 year UPS career, which took him and his family to New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Hong Kong, Georgia and Kentucky, Marty Hanse developed and nurtured many professional and personnel relationships with people worldwide, many of whom remained in close contact with him throughout his retirement years.

Having never spiritually left the Marine Corps, Marty Hanse was instrumental in establishing a Marine Corps League detachment in northern New Jersey, and upon retirement, embarked on a personal crusade to help injured and wounded Marines nationwide, through legendary fundraising efforts on behalf of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. Through his enthusiastic leadership within the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky, recovering wounded Marines and their families are being financially assisted, as they cope with service connected disabilities. Affectionately referred to at times as the “conscience” of the Kentucky statewide Marine Corps community, Marty Hanse routinely identified situations wherein charitable actions were warranted and organized appropriate compassionate responses. His caring concern for people fueled his philanthropic support of numerous charitable and civic organizations in the Louisville area. “Semper Fidelis” to Marty Hanse was so much more than the Marine Corps motto; to him it was a way in which he lived and shared his life with family, friends, and those less fortunate.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Mary; daughter Christine, and her children Victoria and Matthew; sons Martin, Jr. and his wife Trine, and their children Martin III, Thor, Maggie and Thea; and Sean and his wife Nancy, and their children Sean, Jr., Gregory and Emma Grace; and “Spike,” his faithful dog. Marty will be long remembered as profoundly compassionate and generous, derived from a life of honesty, loyalty, and affection. From his wisdom flowed humility and passionate kindness, rendering him a wonderful husband, father and friend. Although he loved his family and friends unconditionally, he took special delight in his nine grandchildren, and they in their “Poppi.”

He found joy in his work and obligations, both professional and personal. Marty will be greatly missed by all whose lives he has touched. His family is especially grateful to the Episcopal Church Home, Dr. Jane Cornett, Damien Bailey, and all who cared for him throughout his final journey.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 25 (10 AM) at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 6500 St. Bernadette Avenue, Prospect, Kentucky, with military internment at the Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, Virginia, at a future date. Visitation will be Monday, November 24 (4PM – 8PM) at Arch L. Heady and Son at Westport Village, 7410 Westport Road, Louisville, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Boulevard, Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, California 92057 (www.SemperFiFund.org), with designation “Hanse Memorial."

Please visit us online to leave a condolence for the family at www.archlheadywestport.com