Obituary of Larry James Hansen

Larry James Hansen, 77, of American Fork, died peacefully at home on Sunday September 3, 2017. He was born May 8, 1940 to the late Waldo and Loa Iorg Hansen in Roosevelt, Utah. Larry graduated from Altamont High School in 1958 and from Snow College in 1960. He served an LDS mission in Germany from 1960-1963. Larry married Karen Marie Demke on May 13, 1966 in the Salt Lake City Temple and loved being her husband for 51 years. Larry graduated from the University of Utah in 1968 and worked as a school teacher, coach, and realtor. He ultimately found a career in the Utah National Guard and was honored in Washington D.C. for being the top recruiter in the state of Utah. Larry retired from the Utah National Guard in 2000 as a Master Sergeant. He spent his free time gardening, hunting, fishing, and running. He ran countless races, including 16 marathons, in his lifetime. He finished his final marathon at age 58 in St. George, UT. Larry began his membership of the LDS church being baptized in a canal at the age of eight, and spent the rest of his life serving the Lord. He held various callings throughout his lifetime, especially enjoying his time with the scouts and as the bishop of the American Fork 21st Ward. Larry believed in serving others and after a stroke at the age of 67 took his physical strength, he finally learned how to use a computer so he could serve by researching genealogy and doing temple work. Larry is preceded in death by his son Jason, his mother and father Waldo and Loa, his brother Blaine and his sister Colleen. He is survived by his wife Karen and six children: Darren (Lori) Hansen, Holly (Kirk) Hoggard, Tyler Hansen (Lisa Bass), Ginger Utley (Mitch Maio), Heather (Talmage) Ence, and John (Stephanie) Hansen, as well as his siblings Dorthy (Erwin) Rust, Carma Jean (Gib) Hullinger, Karen (Kent) Robison, Keith (Beverly) Hansen, and Charles (Cindy) Hansen. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, all living in the Salt Lake and Utah Valleys. Larry loved his family and considered his greatest blessing that they all lived so close to him. A viewing will be held Sunday September 10, 6:00 pm at Anderson & Sons Mortuary Lone Peak Chapel, 6141 W. 11000 N. Highland, UT. Please visit the online guestbook at www.andersonmortuary.com. All family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Monday September 11, 11:30 am at Elysian Burial Gardens Cemetery at 1075 East 4580 South Millcreek, UT. In lieu of flowers, give your dad a hug and take him to lunch. Larry’s family would like to thank Merilee, Monica, and Tina with CNS Hospice services for their loving care. They indulged his requests for Johnny Cash music, his insistence that he wasn’t in pain, and his questions to find out where they were from and if they had any friends in common. Larry never gave less than 100% in everything he did. He was strong physically as well as mentally and spiritually and it showed in all aspects of his life. His shoes were always shined, his shirts were dressed right in the closet, and his gig line was always straight. We love you and will miss you greatly.