John "Jack" Hansen

Jack Hansen, a life-long resident of Omaha, Nebraska, died January 20 at home, surrounded by his family. He was 85.



Jack was an athlete his entire life beginning when he played sports with his brothers to the golf game he played in the last month of his life. He played football for Iowa State, coached, and refereed youth sports, and continued to golf frequently throughout his life. He and his close friends founded an annual golf trip in Panorama, Iowa that grew to more than 40 golfers including sons, colleagues, and extended family. The ritual continues after more than 30 years.

Jack fostered the love of sports in his children and was almost always in the stands when they were playing. When his grandchildren were younger, he lovingly cut down golf clubs to each child’s size and then took them all to the driving range for their first lesson at “Grandpa’s Golf School”.



After graduating from Iowa State, Jack taught Industrial Arts for Omaha Public Schools for over 30 years. His career began at North Polk High School (football coach). Later he moved to Thomas Jefferson High School (football coach), and then to Bryan High School (football coach). He also coached football, volleyball, baseball, and basketball at Bancroft and Norris Junior High Schools. He was a basketball and football referee for metro Omaha.



Jack enjoyed sitting on his deck with his family. He set up numerous feeders that brought his good friends “the squirrels” right up on the deck. The squirrels were very comfortable with Jack and still are regular visitors to Jack’s deck. Of course, Jack often had the family dog sitting on his lap.



Jack loved to travel to Las Vegas – a place where everyone knew his name – well, at least the tellers at the Imperial Palace. Early trips included his mother, sister-in-law “Sis”, and teachers at spring break. Later, Jack and Marilyn traveled a few times a year. Sometimes they were joined by family or friends. Jack spent so much time in the sportsbook that there must be a chair bearing his imprint.



Jack spent many Friday nights at Horsemen’s Park with his best buddy Chuck. They bet $2 show tickets, drank "red" beer, and talked about golf and stocks.

Survivors include his wife and childhood sweetheart, Marilyn Mickel Hansen, Omaha; son, Robert Hansen, Omaha; son, Shane Hansen (Donda), Tyrone, GA; daughter, Tairi Copenhaver (Rob), Omaha; Son-in-law, Mark Rawlings (Nicole), California; brothers, Ken and Don, both from California; grandsons, Matthew, Jacob, and Alexander; granddaughters, Breahn, Brenna and Merak; and great grandson, Jaxon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mabel Hansen; brother Rob Hansen; daughter, Shawn Rawlings; and granddaughter Oksana Hansen.



Jack was and avid golfer who scored a hole-in-one. The family requests that attendees wear casual golf attire.