The Life of KENNETH COX HANSEN
Kenneth “Poppi” Hansen, 84, of Altoona passed away January 28, 2009, at home. He was born March 9, 1924, in Des Moines to Roy and Cora (Cox) Hansen. Kenneth graduated from East High School in 1942. He served in the United States Army from 1943-1946 and was awarded a Purple Heart during WWII. Kenneth was united in marriage to Elizabeth Caroline Christianson in 1947. Kenneth worked for the Des Moines Fire Department for 37 years, retiring in 1984 as a District Fire Chief. He also worked for the Iowa Clinics as a courier, and with Hoyt Sherman Place, Veterans Memorial Auditorium and the Civic Center as a stagehand. He was a member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, the Stagehands Union, and a past member of the Des Moines Firefighters Local #4. Kenneth enjoyed fishing and helping others. He was a friend to anyone, never knowing a stranger and had the ability to fix anything. Kenneth is survived by his children, Judy Maxfield, Barb (Gary) Longerbone, Steve (Olivia) Hansen and Jon (Nancy) Hansen; his grandchildren, Sandi (Jaime) Tollari, Todd (Tarisa) Maxfield-Matsumoto, Tania (Patrick) Heyerdahl, Lauren, Owen and Hope Hansen; his great-grandchildren, Takakazu, Emma, Ethan, Evan, Kenjiro and Makenna; his sister, Mary (Bill) Frye; four step-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; along with many other nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth in 2001; his parents; his infant son, John Stephen; his son-in-law, John Maxfield; and sisters, Jean Winegar and Betty Shepard. Memorial services will be held 2:30 p.m., Saturday, January 31, 2009, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home. Burial of cremated remains will take place at a later date at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in loving memory of Ken.