Earl Henry Hansen was born in Akron, Ohio on March 20, 1931 to Charles and Hilda Hansen.

He passed away peacefully into the glorious Kingdom of God on September 16, 2019 in Wayne, Michigan; Joan and Jill were at his side. He was the beloved husband to Joan; loving father of Jill (Randall) Brown; proud grandfather of Megan and Andrew Brown; dear brother of Marjorie Hansen; a wonderful uncle and dear friend. Earl is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Hilda (Latva) Hansen, and his brothers, Russell (Marty) Hansen, Roy, and Ken (Joy) Hansen.

Earl was confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Detroit in 1944 and graduated in 1949 from Wilbur Wright High School in Detroit. From 1951 to 1953 Earl served as a Corporal in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany during the period of the Korean War. On August 17, 1957, Earl married the love of his life, Joan Birkenhauer, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church; they have one daughter, Jill. He was a resident of Westland since 1959. Earl worked as a Tool Designer and Tool Engineer for Ford Motor Company; he retired in 1990 with 30 years of service. Earl and Joan have been endearing grandparents to Megan and Andrew, and have been an important part of their lives since they were born.

A member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Livonia (currently Celebration Lutheran Church in Westland), he was on the Social Ministry Committee for several years. Earl rarely missed a Sunday at church unless he wasn't feeling well, and was always willing to give a lending hand whenever needed. His faith was important to him, and always enjoyed giving hugs and giving a fist bump at church as a form of endearment.

He was a charter member of the Michigan Treasure Hunters (metal detecting group), Rock Club (geology and lapidary group), and Coin Club. Earl had additional hobbies of fishing, bowling, golf, gem stone cutting, engraving, and making jewelry.

Earl engaged friendship with many people, often opening people up with his humor. Earl enjoyed many good times with them over the years – picnics, camping, travelling, spending the winter in Florida, playing cards, and celebrating special events with their family and friends. Earl and his friend, Frank Ruohonen, have been friends since childhood; they were confirmed together and lived next door to each other for over 50 years. He enjoyed his family and friends immensely and was always interested in people. He enjoyed dining with the Breakfast Club of church members that would go to breakfast every Sunday after church, having lunches with the senior men's group from church, playing poker with the Poker Club, and having lunch with the Ford retirees. Earl's life has been rich with friendship as a core characteristic of his personality. Earl's presence has touched many lives and he will be dearly missed.

Earl was called "Earl the Pearl", known for his integrity, generosity, and loyalty to his family and friends. He was also well known for his "Hansen Short-Cut" which prevails all forms of navigation – a short distance could turn into several miles in order to go on a journey!

Visitation at Thayer-Rock Funeral home Downtown Farmington will be Friday, September 20, from 4:00-8:00 PM.

A "Celebration of Life" service will be on Saturday, September 21, at 11:00 AM (gathering at 10:00 AM), also at the funeral home.

Memorial donations in honor of Earl may be made to Celebration Lutheran Church 39375 Joy Rd. Westland, MI 48185.

Kindly keep Earl and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Friday, September 20, 2019

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

33603 Grand River Avenue
Farmington, Michigan 48335

Directions Visitation Thayer-Rock Funeral Home

Saturday, September 21, 2019

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

33603 Grand River Avenue
Farmington, Michigan 48335

Directions Life Celebration Thayer-Rock Funeral Home

Saturday, September 21, 2019

11:00 AM

33603 Grand River Avenue
Farmington, Michigan 48335

Directions