Richard "Dick" K. Hansen

Richard K. Hansen
July 25, 1939 – May 13, 2025

Richard "Dick" K. Hansen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born on July 25, 1939, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Kenneth and Edith Hansen, Dick grew up with a love for learning, music, and the outdoors. He graduated from West Waterloo High School in 1957, where he was a proud member of the rifle team and played trumpet in both the concert and marching bands.

Dick went on to attend Iowa State University, earning a B.S. in Chemistry in 1962 and a Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry in 1966. During his college years, he was an active member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity and played trumpet in the university concert band.

Trained in instrumental analysis, Dick enjoyed a long and successful career as a chemist. He worked for Ames Laboratory (U.S. Atomic Energy Commission) in Ames, Iowa; Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan; Owens Illinois, Monarch Analytical Labs, and Coulton Chemical Co., all in Toledo, Ohio; and Koch Industries in Wichita, Kansas.

Later in life, Dick enjoyed working at Niceville’s upscale Publix Supermarkets, Inc., where his warmth and friendly nature made him a favorite among customers and coworkers alike.

Dick had a wide range of hobbies and interests. He loved fishing, hunting, playing tennis, singing in church choirs, and traveling with his beloved wife, Patricia (Davies), whom he married in 1962. Together they raised two wonderful sons, Eric Brian and Christopher Michael, and took great joy in supporting them throughout their lives and watching their families grow. Dick and Pat were blessed with six cherished grandchildren: Morgan, Meredith, Grace, Gabrielle, Elizabeth, and Evan.

A lifelong member of Iowa State University and the American Chemical Society, Dick also remained devoted to his faith and church communities throughout the years. He was always involved in church music ministries and served faithfully in various roles. At First Presbyterian Church of Fort Walton Beach—his final church home—Dick was ordained as an elder and served three years on the Property Committee, all while joyfully singing in the choir.

Dick will be remembered for his warmth, unassuming attitude, kind words, and infectious smile. He brought sunshine wherever he went and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Edith Hansen.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Patricia; sons Eric (Carolyn) and Christopher; grandchildren Morgan, Meredith, Grace, Gabrielle, Elizabeth, and Evan; brothers Robert (Joyce) and Ronald (Wendy); and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life and interment service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the chapel on the grounds of Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery in Waterloo, Iowa. All relatives and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
First Presbyterian Church of Fort Walton Beach
134 Beal Parkway SW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

and

VITAS Healthcare Hospice
123 Creighton Rd
Pensacola, FL 32504

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