Frank Louis Hansen, 76, of Keokuk, IA, passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the Clark County Nursing Home in Kahoka, MO.
He was born February 12, 1948 in Louisville, KY, a few blocks from Churchill Downs, the son of Louis E. and Catherine Hoetzer Hansen.
Frank graduated from Keokuk High School with the class of 1967. He attended two years at Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, MO and would have wanted to be a history teacher if the pathway had been available. He joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War Era, for twenty-six years. He was stationed extensively on the USS Constellation, where he traveled many ports, actively performing duties in security and other positions, many destination and experiences.
On August 18, 2000 Frank was united in marriage to longtime high school love of his life, Sandra Wright. She survives.
Other survivors include one step- son, Brian (Tabitha) Dodge, two step- granddaughters, Emily Dodge and Kendra (Kenny) Kellum and three great-grandchildren, Cole Hedger, Kylie Kellum and Kamryn Kellum. He is also survived by one brother-in-law, Fred L. Wright, one nephew, Jacob Wright and one niece, Sarah (Dustin) Davidson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one step-daughter, Dr. Deborah Wright, and two siblings in infancy.
Frank enjoyed baseball games and was an avid New York Yankees fan. He coached several YMCA boys’ hardball teams through the years, was a passionate sports card collector, a car enthusiast, and a history and trivia buff. Frank and Sandra traveled over fifteen years to many locations, vacations and weekend getaways. Some of their favorite trips were made to Laughlin, NV on the Colorado River, Lake Tahoe, NV as well as so many fabulous trips together. He was a talented woodworker and refinished furniture. Frank was athletic and competitive. He loved power lifting and participated in numerous competitions, taking first place in his division in Quincy, IL and Macomb, IL. Frank was able to accomplish one of his bucket list dreams when he was able to attend an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., with fellow veterans in June 2019.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 2 – 4 p.m., Sunday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with family meeting with friends at that time. Burial with military rites will be held at a later date in the Keokuk National Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.
