Bernard Hansel

Bernard Francis Hansel



Bernie Hansel, 74, passed away April 28, 2009 at his home in Olathe, Kan. A celebration of Bernie's life will take place at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 16000 W. 143rd Street, Olathe on Saturday, May 2. Visitation will be from 8:30-10 a.m. followed by the Recitation of the Rosary at 10 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m.



Bernie was born Aug. 27, 1934 in Kansas City, Kan. to Helen and Frank Hansel. He graduated from Bishop Ward High School in 1952 before entering the Army. After two years of service, he came home and continued his education at the Central Technical Institute where he earned a degree in Electronics, Radio and Television Technology in 1958. He applied his craft as an electrical engineer for the United States Government at the Atomic Energy Commission, Sunflower Ammunition Plant and the Defense Mapping Agency before retiring in 1989.



While at Central Technical Institute, he met Judy Ann Johnson. The two fell in love and were married Oct. 15, 1960. The couple has been married for 48 years and had three children - Frank, Mark and Gina. They raised their family in Shawnee, Kan. for 30 years prior to moving to Olathe in 2006. The focus and passion of Bernie's life was his family. He was involved in all aspects including coaching youth baseball, basketball and track teams. His sports passion was baseball. Bernie was an accomplished baseball pitcher in high school and played semi-pro ball. He passed that passion on to his children, teaching them many lessons along the way.



That passion for his family continued when he was blessed with seven grandchildren. Bernie could be found at just about all of his grandchildrens sporting and scholastic events.



Bernie, who was preceded in death by his parents, is survived by his wife, Judy (of the home); two sons, Frank Hansel (and his wife Beth) of Belton, Mo., Mark Hansel (and his wife Beth) of Overland Park, Kan.,and Gina White (and her husband Phil) of Olathe, Kan. He is also survived by seven grandchildren - Eric White, Austin White, Jacob Well, Jordan Well, Julia White, Ashley Hansel and Jared Hansel, his twin brother Leonard Hansel, of Olathe, Kan., and two sisters; Jean Hale of Shawnee, Kan., and Frances Srubas of Kansas City, Kan. - as well as many nieces and nephews.



In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Parkinson's Foundation of the Heartland, 8900 State Line Rd., Suite 320, Leawood, KS 66206.