It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Robert Ward “Bob” Hansen, who passed away peacefully in his home on May 15, 2026, at the age of 92. He lived a life filled with happiness and will always be remembered for his kindness, hard work, and generosity.
Bob was born on October 20, 1933, in Salina, Utah, to Norma Sorensen Hansen and Richard Ward Hansen. Born during the Great Depression when resources were scarce, Bob learned the value of hard work at an early age. After his father passed away during military service, Bob was raised by his mother and his beloved grandparents, who helped care for him and his younger brother. At just nine years old, his local LDS ward bishop provided him with a job farming, which Bob proudly used to help support his family financially, and to buy his own clothes.
When Bob was 14, his mother moved him and his brother to Salt Lake City, where he graduated from high school. He married his first wife Marge at 19 years old. In 1955, he was drafted into the US army and served in the Korean war for two years. With an honorable discharge, he went on to establish his young family in the Salt Lake City area. He was blessed with two children, Karen and Craig, whom he loved with all his heart. Following his military service, Bob began a career as a traveling salesman for Bennett’s Glass and Paint. He later relocated to Cedar City, Utah, where he continued his dedication to the industry by working for Harding glass until his retirement.
Bob was a deeply community-minded man who loved doing service for his family, friends, and neighbors everywhere he lived. For many years, he enjoyed the close camaraderie, friendships, and community service activities as a dedicated member of the Elks Lodge. He was also an exceptional cook who loved feeding and serving those around him.
On November 5, 1988, Bob married the love of his life, Jan Jackson Hansen. Together, they built a beautiful life in Cedar City before retiring to Beaver Dam, Arizona, where they spent many wonderful years surrounded by warm weather and close friends. They were happily married for nearly 35 years until Jan’s passing in 2023.
In retirement, Bob remained active by working at the local golf course, managing the community swimming pool, and serving as the water master for the Sunshiners community. He loved horses and attending horse races, and even had the opportunity to participate in mule racing. He was also an avid golfer, a passionate fisherman, and thoroughly loved taking RV trips with Jan and their friends. Bob was a man of immense talent, best known for his exceptional woodworking skills, beautiful stained-glass art, and hand-built home furniture. He frequently collaborated with Jan on her artwork, building custom barn wood picture frames and assisting with her gourd art pieces.
Generous to a fault, Bob was always the first to volunteer for any neighborhood remodeling, building, painting, or landscaping projects. More than anything, Bob loved passing his knowledge down to his children and grandchildren. He built a fully equipped woodworking shop, where he spent hours teaching his grandchildren how to safely use shop tools and craft stained glass.
“Grandpa Bob” adored his family. He could always be found holding, talking to, or helping one of his grandchildren. The annual family camping trips with Grandma and Grandpa remain among the family’s most treasured memories. Later in life, he and Jan lovingly hand-made wooden rocking horses for their great-grandchildren—heirlooms that are deeply cherished to this day.
Following Jan’s passing on September 30, 2023, Bob continued to enjoy life alongside his wonderful friends and neighbors in Beaver Dam until his own peaceful passing. We will long remember his kind eyes, smiling face, and full head of hair. He was a deeply loving father, grandfather, and friend.
Preceded in Death By: Parents: Norma S. Hansen and Richard W. Hansen Brother: Richard “Dickie” Hansen Wife: Jan Jackson Hansen Children: Craig Hansen and Karen Hensley Survived in Death By: Daughter-in-law: Rita Hansen Step-sons: Shane, Sy, and Sam Prestwich Step-daughter: Janae Carpenter, many grandchildren and extended family members.
Services will be held at 1pm on Thursday, May 28th at Cedar Valley Funeral & Cremation, located at 2086 N. Main. Friends and family may visit between 12pm and 1pm on that same day. Interment will take place in the Cedar City Cemetery following the service.