Kenneth Norman Hansen

Kenneth Norman Hansen, 88 of Fontana CA passed away peacefully from this earth surrounded by his loving family on the morning of October 17, 2019. Kenneth was born on August 16, 1931 at home in Roseville, Michigan to Clifford Hansen and Isabelle (Newman) Hansen. He attended local schools and graduated from Roseville High School in 1949. He left Roseville when he entered the Navy in March 1951. He proudly served until March 1955 which was during the Korean War. He was stationed on the USS Dyess (DD-880) a Gearing-Class destroyer where he was ranked a BM3, Boatswain’s Mate third class.

After leaving the Navy he journeyed to Southern California in 1956. A few years later he met his soul mate and the love of his life Jean. They met at the Wagon Wheel and soon discovered that they were born on the same day, but different years. Jean made him get out his driver’s license to prove it and during their marriage there were many jokes about who was older. They were married on September 30, 1959 at a courthouse in Las Vegas, NV during the Judge’s break in between cases. It cost Ken $7 dollars and he often said it was the best $7 dollars he ever spent. He would also say that the hotel room cost more than the wedding.

They settled in a small house in La Puente, CA for a few years and started a family with the birth of their first daughter, Donna Jean then soon after came Judi Marie and then their third try for a boy, they were blessed with twin girls, Susan Eileen and Laurie Ann. With their expanding family they purchased a bigger home in El Monte where they raised their girls. Kenneth worked as a lineman for Southern California Edison for many years. After that he worked in the restaurant field owning his own called Deli Delight in Pasadena, CA, which he was famous for his fried chicken and pastrami sandwiches. Next, he worked for his stepbrother as a Forman putting up acoustical tile ceilings.

“Kenny” as Mom called him when he was in the dog house enjoyed many things in life. He loved playing bingo, card games, cribbage, fishing, cooking and traveling in their RV. He was a big sports fan and enjoyed watching Golf, Baseball and going to softball games was a recent favorite just to name a few. He enjoyed going to casinos and playing his favorite “Buffalo” machine and of course he enjoyed getting his “scratchers” every time he went to the store which was often. He was ALWAYS so lucky even finding a winning scratcher in the parking lot! He was also a huge fan of The Price is Right every morning and Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune in the evening. He also enjoyed The Voice and America’s Got Talent.

He was one of a kind. He had a great sense of humor and told the greatest jokes. He also had great cooking recipes, ideas and advice for anyone that would sit down and listen. Everyone loved hearing what he had to say even if it was the 100th time they had heard it. He was also great at giving toasts and speeches without any notes. He just spoke from his heart and everyone felt it. He was a very simple yet sometimes opinionated man and didn’t need much to be happy. He was honest and trust worthy and he was always there for you if you needed help. He was extremely hard working and rarely missed a day of work. His work ethic and independence was something he was very proud of and instilled in his daughters. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly. He was affectionately called GPA, GPAW and GGPA. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Kenneth was predeceased by his parents Clifford and Isabelle, wife of 51 years Jean and infant daughter Laurie Ann. His siblings; Jeannette, Roland, Gerald, Gayle, LeRoy and Ted. Step Brothers Jimmy and Jerry. Nephew; Little Jerry.

Kenneth is survived by daughter; Donna Pirone and husband Elio, grandsons Shae and Sean Edwards, great-granddaughters Kylie, Arianna and Faelyn Edwards. Daughter; Judi Hansen, grand children Olivia and Nicholas Naveda, great-grandson Tyler Interlicchia. Daughter; Susan Hansen-Milham and husband Erik, grand children Mark Serles, Jr., Lauree Bokelman and husband RJ and Kyle Kibler; Great-grandchildren Wyatt and Parker Bokelman. Sister; Isabella “Cookie” Thibert and wife Jenn. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Service with full Military Honors will be held Friday, November 8, 2019 at 10:00 am. It will be held at Riverside National Cemetery; 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 Interment will be private. A celebration of Life will follow at Susan Hansen-Milham’s residence.