BERNARD HANSE
The funeral service for Bernard Hanse will be 5:30 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2022 at the Claremont United Methodist Church in Claremont, SD. Rev. Rodney Ulmer will officiate.
Visitation will be at 4:00 p.m. Friday before the funeral service at the church.
Bernard William Hanse was born August 31, 1944 in Britton, SD to William “Bill” and Hazel (Edland) Hanse. He graduated from high school as a Claremont Honker in 1962. He went to NDSSS and earned a civil engineering tech certificate in 1964. Later he furthered his education with an associate degree in 1967. His accomplishments as an engineer began with the ND Highway Department working on the new interstate by Bismarck and Medora. Time was also spent surveying on the Aberdeen Airport runway and traveling with Brady Engineering, Spearfish, SD. Deciding that he wanted to have a life without travel he went into education, earning a BS in Education from Northern State in Aberdeen, SD and began teaching in Britton, SD. Barney remained there for 29 years, teaching Industrial Arts and Math. While teaching, he moved back to his childhood home to begin farming and raising his family.
He married Carol Witham on February 16, 1968 at the Claremont UM Church. They were blessed with a son, Mark, and daughters, Jolinda and Gina. The skills acquired from engineering and woodworking led him to spend many years remodeling and building his home. The love of the outdoors showed in the many trees he planted and his large garden. Every fall he canned and made jelly, always sharing with his family.
He enjoyed playing basketball and baseball as a youngster. He remained a proud Claremont Honker with a mix of a Langford Lion. A knee injury in football followed him the rest of his days, but it never really slowed him down; as he was an avid bowler for many years in Claremont and enjoyed shooting hoops and playing catch when he had some free time. In 2015, he had one lung removed and still spent many hours in his garden and shop. In his retirement years, you would easily find him and Carol on the front porch with their coffee, playing Sudoku with his cat, Sophie at his side.
Barney passed away on Monday, December 12, 2022 at the age of 78.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol, of almost 55 years; children: Mark Hanse, Jolinda (James) Finley, Gina (Cory) Vinz; grandchildren: Amanda (Adam) Kindt- Olivia and William, Haley (Bryce) Lutz- Macie, Evan (Brooke) Finley, Sydney Flipse, Kate Finley, Mason Hanse, Molly Hanse, Braven Hanse, Isaac Vinz, Emalee Vinz; in-laws: Ann Witham, Alan Witham, Vicky Witham, and several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents; sister, Delores Hanse; grandson, Jacob Finley; inlaws, David Witham, Bonnie Witham, Claire Witham, and nephew, Mike Witham.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but fondly remembered.
Condolences for the family may be sent to Carol Hanse, 40775 117th St., Claremont, SD, 57432