John Ellis Hansel Sr. (Dad) traveled to his Home in Heaven to be with his Lord, Monday, May 8th, 2023. No doubt, dad has already had the most incredible joy in all his life, having met his Savior, Messiah Jesus. And he’s already enjoyed getting to know his son, Josh who died August 17th, 1982, (Dad was 47 years old when Josh was born). His oldest son had the privilege of being with his dad as he passed through the "shadow of death." Dad was born at White Cross Hospital, Columbus, Ohio on July 31st, 1931. He contracted COVID just before Christmas 2022, spent four weeks at Riverside Hospital, then was sent to Harmony Trace Assisted Living facility to recover. His oldest son had the privilege of being with his dad as he passed through the “shadow of death.” John’s parents were John Arthur and Mary Katherine (Hecker) Hansel. His sister, Mary Ann Zipfel survives him.
John attended The Ohio State University from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1953. Directly after which, he served his country as a Captain in the Air Force, stationed in Alaska at “The Listening Station.” Upon return from his military service dad became a salesman for The Medical Protective Company of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He sold liability insurance to doctors and dentist around the State of Ohio. He made many friends along the way, enjoying his entire career with the same company through to his retirement in 1996. John and his wife Judy Mills (“from Harbor Hills”) were married in 1958. They were to celebrate their 65th anniversary this July. As parents, they enjoyed raising four boys, they were grandparents to eleven children, and great-grandparents to five.
Dad was a dedicated public and community servant all his life. He was a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and served as their National Section Chief. He was President of The Upper Arlington Civic Association, a favorite football coach to many kids and served as the pee wee football Commissioner for many years. John was a board member and eventually President of the Athletic Club of Columbus (ACC) in 1982. He was a member of the Touchdown Club steering committee which is an annual celebration of star College and NFL football athletes. While a member of the ACC, dad and his best buddy, Bob Holub were consistent doubles handball champions. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of Worthington Christian Schools. He served for many years as a member of the Upper Arlington Zoning Committee, and as an Armed Forces Recruiter until 2007, a “Red Coat” usher at Ohio Stadium for the football season, as well as an Ohio State Track and Field Official until 1982. He was proud of his perfect attendance as an Upper Arlington Rotarian for which he served as President. Dad did prison visitation regularly to share his Lord with the inmates. He was also proud to be a founder and elder of The Upper Arlington Grace Brethren Church on Kenny Road and initiated “The Friday Morning Bible Study” which continues to meet.
Those who survive dad know his greatest, most grateful gift was trusting Jesus Christ as his Savior when he went forward at the Billy Graham Crusade in Columbus Jets baseball stadium on July 14th, 1964. He was honored to be a member at Grace Brethren Church on Worthington Galena Road. The Senior Pastor, Pastor Jim Custer became one of his best friends. Custer will preside over his funeral celebration. Each member of his family can personally attest to his constant growth in faith and love for Jesus to the end. We believe dad has already heard the statement for which he consistently lived… “Well done my good and faithful servant,” spoken by his Lord and Savior, Jesus—Son of God! Thank you dad for your life as a humble and gentle man of with a growing faith and love.
Dad is preceded in death by his mother and father, John Arthur and Mary Katherine (Hecker) Hansel and his youngest son Joshua Talbut Hansel.
Dad is survived by his wife Judith, three sons and their wives: Jayson and Lisa, Jeff and Laurie, Johnny and Susie; grandchildren (in order of birth)… Karie (Hansel) and Sam Coachman, Annie (Hansel) and Jerry Robinson, Alexys Hansel, JT, Kelsey (Hansel) and Chris Winand, Elizabeth Hansel, Megan (Hansel) and Hans Aschinger, Jacob and Molly Hansel, Gabriel Hansel, Abby (Hansel) and Vernon Nelson, and Zack Hansel; as well as great grandchildren Nora and Penny Winand, Theodore Coachman, and Sammy Jo and Lou James Aschinger; as well as his nephew Tom and Beverly Zipfel, and his niece Darrelyn (Zipfel) and Dave Kowalczyk.
(One last thing, anyone who knew dad understands why he was made President of “W.E.S.T.,” the World of Extremely Slow Talkers club!)
Family will receive friends from 8:30-10:00am on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221. Funeral Service will immediately follow at 10:00am. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences.
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