Joan (Birkenhauer) Hansen was born in Highland Park, Michigan, on January 15, 1936, to Steven and Dora Birkenhauer. She passed away peacefully into the glorious Kingdom of God on January 19, 2020, in Livonia, Michigan. Jill and Randy were by her side.

She was the beloved wife to the late Earl, loving mother of Jill (Randall) Brown; proud grandmother of Megan and Andrew Brown. Dear sister of Carl (Valerie) Birkenhauer and sister-in-law of Marjorie Hansen and Stacey Birkenhauer. She was a wonderful aunt to several nieces and nephews, and a dear friend to many lifelong friends. Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Steven and Dora (Adams) Birkenhauer, and her siblings – Marion, Caroline, Jean, Clarence, Alan, and Steven.

Joan attended the Donald Thomson Elementary School and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1954.

Joan worked as a secretary and payroll clerk at Precision Springs; it was there that she met Earl. On August 17, 1957, Joan married the love of her life Earl Hansen, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. They were married for over 62 years, and their love was very strong for each other. She was a resident of Westland since 1959. Joan and Earl have one daughter, Jill, who is married to Randall. Joan and Earl have been endearing grandparents to Megan and Andrew, and have been an important part of their lives since they were born. Joan was a housewife, mother, and grandmother and cared for her family in many ways.

Joan was a member of Celebration Lutheran Church in Westland, formerly known as Christ the King Lutheran Church in Livonia. She assisted for several years with assembling the church newsletter, and preparing food and helping with the funeral luncheons. Joan was always willing to give a lending hand whenever needed. She enjoyed dining with the Breakfast Club after church on Sunday for several years.

Joan was a very loving, kind, and fun person. She genuinely cared for others, especially her family and friends. She engaged in friendship with several people and had many lifelong friendships; her presence has touched many lives and she will be dearly missed. She enjoyed a lot of good times and special memories over the years – family gatherings, picnics, camping, travelling, visiting family and friends in Florida during the winter, playing cards and games. She enjoyed reading, gardening, collecting dolls, cooking, and baking.

Funeral arrangements are at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home located at 33603 Grand River Avenue, Farmington, MI 48335. Visitation will be on Saturday, January 25th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A "Celebration of Life" service will immediately follow at 1:00 PM.

The final resting place for Joan and Earl will be at Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park in Livonia, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers Memorial Gifts may be made in memory of Joan Hansen to:

Angela Hospice Development Office, 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154

Celebration Lutheran Church, 3375 Joy Road, Westland, MI 48185

Thank you for keeping Joan and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Saturday, January 25, 2020

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

33603 Grand River Avenue
Farmington, Michigan 48335

Directions Life Celebration Thayer-Rock Funeral Home

Saturday, January 25, 2020

1:00 PM

33603 Grand River Avenue
Farmington, Michigan 48335

Directions