Obituaries

HERMANN JOSEF HANSEN

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, Opa, and great grandfather Hermann Josef Hansen who died peacefully at the age of 95 on November 1, 2025.

He is predeceased by his parents Hermann & Klara and sister Klara.

Hermann was born in Massen, Germany, in 1930. He was a surviving twin and, though not expected to live, he demonstrated from the start a strong will to live which continued throughout his life while overcoming numerous health issues. Hermann grew up during WW II and the experiences of his youth influenced how he chose to live his life, with resilience and meaningful connection with others. In 1956, he boarded the ship Onassis for Canada and landed in Montreal, before settling in Winnipeg.

Hermann met his wife, Marianne, at a bus stop on Corydon and Wilton in 1958 and their love story began from there. They married in 1960 and raised their family in Crescentwood, the home they resided in for over 50 years. Hermann and Marianne were members of St. Ignatius Parish throughout their married life. His faith and his family were the cornerstones on which he built his life. He loved his cars and, from the first car he bought in the 1950s, he made sure they were always gleaming. He enjoyed working around the house and always had a project going, whether woodworking or fixing something. He and his wife were members of the German Club for many years where they enjoyed meals and dancing with friends. He valued his connections with relatives “back home” and traveled to Germany and Greece to see his sister and cousins. And most of all he loved his family and was always there to support his children in any way he could.

Hermann spent over 30 years working at University of Manitoba, first as a janitor and then as the Manager of the University College, a role he absolutely loved. He often acted as the surrogate parent for many of the students that lived there. He retired in 1997.

Hermann is survived by his daughter Monica (Gary) and sons Herman (Donna)and Perry (Heather): Grandchildren: Alex (Jessica), Alyssa (Kirk), Christian, Sean (Bryn), Rhys, Hailey and Owen: and his great grandson Barrett. We will all miss his support, smile, laugh, corny jokes and our family visits and Christmas’s spent together. The family is so thankful for the care dad received from his family physician of many decades, Dr Brian Sharkey, and to the wonderful staff of Meadowood PCH, who cared for him for the last 6 years he was a resident there.

Funeral Mass will be held on November 13 at noon at St. Ignatius Parish.

‘In God’s loving arms, there is no more pain, only peace everlasting”

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Parkinson Canada, or CancerCare Manitoba.