Lyle E. Hansen, Janesville  (1918 - 2010)

September 6, 1918 - March 21, 2010
Lyle E. Hansen, 91, Janesville, died on Sunday, March 21, 2010, at Stoughton Hospital with his family by his side. He was born in Janesville on Sept. 6, 1918, the son of the late Edward and Ethel (VanVrankin) Hansen. Lyle graduated from Janesville High School in 1938 and later married June D. Heise in Janesville on May 30, 1941. She predeceased him on June 27, 1994. Lyle was a charter member of Faith Lutheran Church in Janesville and worked for the Wisconsin Power and Light Company for 30 years, retiring in 1975. Shortly after Lyle and June were married, he joined the U.S. Army on Oct. 19, 1942, and he was Honorably discharged on March 26, 1946. Lyle served during WW II as a member of the Army Air Corps' Flying Tigers Division, stationed in Kunming, China. As a gifted athlete in high school with a strong pitching arm, Lyle continued his athletic ability in the Army playing baseball. Lyle loved sports, especially the Chicago Cubs.
Lyle was a very easygoing, friendly, caring and loving man, who was a true gentleman. He always had a positive outlook on things, and he was always willing to volunteer his help to anyone who needed it. His constructive and mechanical mind was always at work. He was the fix-it guy! In addition to his full-time job, he worked evenings and weekends over several years, building a beautiful brick home in which to raise his family. Lyle always loved to tell stories about Janesville and its history to his grandchildren, with whom he loved to spend time. Lyle was very active and independent, living in his own home until August of his 90th year, when he moved to the Skaalen Assisted Living and Nursing Home in Stoughton due to health reasons. He was a very loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who was always there to provide love and guidance to his family whenever needed. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by two children, Bruce (Marilyn) Hansen of Stoughton and Barbara (Gary) Knapton of Janesville; daughter-in-law, Janis Hansen of Sheboygan, WI; his grandchildren, whom he was very proud of: Pauline (James) Krutilla, L. Erik (Stephanie) Hansen, Jennifer (Josh) Woodman, Eric Knapton, Stacy (Tom) Kroening, and Nicole Hansen; two great-grandchildren, Brooke Krutilla and Baylen Woodman; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Larry; and his sister, Lucille Burhans.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, March 25, 2010, at the WHITCOMB-LYNCH-ALBRECHT FUNERAL HOME, JANESVILLE, with Rev. David Andert officiating. Interment will be in Oak HIll Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Military Rites will be provided by VFW Kienow-Hilt Post #1621.
WHITCOMB-LYNCH-ALBRECHT FUNERAL HOME, JANESVILLE
15 N. Jackson St. -- (608) 752-2444
www.whitcomb-lynch-albrecht.com