Hans Martin Hansen Jr.

Hans Martin Hansen Jr, 79, of Saint Cloud, FL passed away on March 3. 2019 - just short of his 80th Birthday, at home, with his family at his side. He is survived by his wife Margaret, daughters Sandy and Barbara, granddaughters Ally and Chanel, and son-in-laws David, Tony and Nate. Hans was born on March 14, 1939 in Brooklyn NY to Hans and Dorothea who were both born in Norway but found each other in New York. He was the youngest of three children. Hans had a sister Ellie and a brother Edmund - he loved their spouses (Pete and Audrey) and oftentimes shared stories of his many adventures together with them and their children throughout New York City, Texas and Mississippi. His father, Hans Sr. had a painting and decorating business in New York City. They worked on many houses of the rich and famous, including the Vanderbuilts. Hans attended Central Commercial HS in NYC, and entered the US Army at age 17. While in the Army, Hans went to Germany, and was an MP. Although he was known to tell many stories of his life adventures - the Army experiences remained secret. One day Hans went on a double date with his friend Auggie. Auggie was with Margaret, and Hans was with Auggie’s sister, Margaret’s friend. Hans dropped Auggie and his sister off at their house, and … at 21 years of age, on July 31, 1960 Hans married the love of his life - Margaret Scheffel. They eloped and were married in Saratoga Springs. They would have been married - to the same person - and still in love - for 59 years this year. Hans often said that if he hadn’t married Margaret, he would be dead or in jail. They truly worked as a couple. While living in Brooklyn and Ronkonkoma with his family, Hans had varied job experiences due to difficulties with what, in part was eventually diagnosed as epilepsy caused by a hit in the head while in the Army. Often starting at entry level positions, he worked his way up to managerial positions, only to leave the job unexpectedly due to symptoms of his illnesses. These jobs included working at TomMcAnn’s shoe store on Myrtle Ave in Brooklyn, driving tractor trailers through NYC, fueling planes at Kennedy Airport, and Northport Oyster Farm, just to name a few. Unfortunately, his illnesses plagued him throughout his life, leaving him very frustrated. Proud of his full Norwegian heritage, Hans and Margaret belonged to the Sons of Norway, and played in their band. Margaret knitted Hans a beautiful Norwegian sweater with three colors and hand embroidery! She learned to make mittens, socks and various other items. Hans always bragged about them and wore them with pride. Hans played guitar, harmonica and sang - always - Folk, Blues, Rock - alone and with others. He and Margaret had a band called “Hometown USA” and they performed for weddings, at clubs and various events. His stage name was “Hank Martin.” After many family and personal visits to the Adirondacks (Lake George, Speculator, Piseco and Lake Pleasant) to go camping and hunting, Hans and Margaret bought a huge 14 room house across the street from Lake Pleasant in Hamilton County, NY. They opened a Bed and Breakfast called “Hansen’s Adirondack Lodge.” In this atmosphere, many of Hans’s creative talents fell into place. Despite having to drive 2 hours each way to go to the Albany VA to deal with his illnesses, and often being physically incapacitated - unable to function in any kind of manner, his devotion kept him moving forward. He renovated the building, he created the business, he raised chickens and used their eggs in the kitchen, he had goats and a horse all while battling “Blackflies.” He was the chef and he was the musical entertainment. When he wasn’t cooking, playing the guitar, fishing, or riding his snowmobile, he was hunting and guiding his guests throughout the area to help them find game. During this entire adventure, his wife Margaret remained at his side - enjoying this next chapter of their lives together. Hans often helped others, he was a father figure to many and made friends everywhere he went. His adventures were many, his sense of humor and clever thinking just made life interesting. Hans was a musician, a chef, an artist and could create - build and fix anything. He had many ideas and was constantly writing plans for items he would make. He loved the outdoors was an avid gardener, fisherman, hunter, survivalist and outdoor guide. He rode motorcycles and snowmobiles. He had a sense of adventure and was deeply loyal. Hans got to the point where he could no longer work at the lodge and so he and Margaret were interested in a move away from New York. They explored various areas of the country, and decided to venture to Saint Cloud, Florida shortly after Margaret’s parents passed. Margaret’s parents had left them half a house - so they bought the other half from Margaret’s brother Waldemar, and the house is currently still in the family. Once again, Hans renovated their new home, and they enjoyed exploring the area. A few years later his oldest daughter got divorced, so Sandy moved to Florida with her baby daughter Alexandria and the next great adventure was to start. Hans proudly and immediately fulfilled the role of “Father,” instilling everything he possibly could into his granddaughter. This is when Ally renamed Hans to “Poppy.” A name he cherished and everyone else began to call him. The adventures of Poppy and Ally were many and varied. While “mom” was at work, they would crawl on the floor, play in the pool, fish in the spa, grow vegetables, cook, learn - his love and dedication was deep and greatly appreciated. Along the way, Hans made a friend, who had a friend - who became his good friend and who also ended up falling in love with his daughter Sandy. It was tricky at first, because although Hans loved his friend - he clearly did not love the fact that this friend loved his daughter. But after a while Hans realized that his friend and his daughter were actually very good for each other. Hans didn’t lose a daughter, he gained a loving son. David shares Hans’s dedication to family, his ability to create and fix anything as well as his love of motorcycles and Jeeps. A few years later Hans’s daughter Barbara married Tony and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl - Chanel - his second granddaughter! Hans was sad he was not able to spend as much time Chanel as he did with Ally - they live in Indiana - so the distance has been a challenge. Tony is a hard worker and also plays guitar. Last but not least, Ally found the love of her life while attending college. Poppy approved! Ally married Nate in December. Nate has shown himself to be dedicated to Ally, has a fantastic mind and also plays guitar. Throughout the years Hans often mentioned his disappointment in not going to college. Those around him knew of his obvious love of and for education. He was very talented and self-educated with an intellect that was unique in many ways. Throughout his life Hans was quite an entrepreneur as he creatively found ways to work around the nagging symptoms of his illnesses. He was very proud of the fact that both of his daughters, and Ally - his oldest granddaughter have graduated college. The last chapter of his life left Hans in a position where he could no longer do all of the things he spent his entire life doing. He was under hospice care for over a year and one day he fell and shattered his hip. This lead him to a huge decline in health. After a few months at the VA CLC, Margaret brought him home, and it is at home that his life on earth came to a close. He is currently in Valhalla - living it up, being a warrior and enjoying his next adventure while watching over his loved ones.

Hans Martin Hansen Jr.

March 14, 1939 - March 3, 2019