Brian C. Hansen

Brian Charles Hansen, age 60, of Beloit, WI, died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center in Janesville. Brian was born Nov. 13, 1954, in Beloit, the son of Mathew John Hansen, Sr. and Winifred Joan Doyle. He attended St. Thomas Grade School in Beloit, where he developed a lifetime love affair with sports, in particular baseball; years later, Brian still reminisced about his days at St. Thomas. Whether it was Tank Hansen running the football or being allowed to be bat boy for a traveling baseball team with Satchel Paige, Brian had fond memories of these years, and the bonds that were created back then became lifelong friendships. This was also the period that his astonishing singing voice was discovered. This gift allowed him the unique opportunity to sing for aspiring Presidential candidate, John F. Kennedy, at the Beloit YMCA in 1960. Years later he had the opportunity to sing for President George W. Bush during his re-election campaign in 2004. Over the years, politicians, newlyweds and mourners alike chose Brian to be their voice for special events. Following his graduation from Beloit Catholic High School in 1973, Brian went on to graduate from St. Norbert College in 1977. He, then, went on to Milwaukee Area Technical College Funeral Science program and became a licensed funeral director in 1979. On Feb. 16, 1979, he purchased what was the Whitcomb Funeral Home at 211 South Main Street in Janesville, proudly operating the Hansen Funeral Home for 36 years. Brian married Angela A. Vetrono on June 4, 1994, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Janesville, and she joined him in his funeral business. Brian was a billiard aficionado, foodie, dog lover and avid Braves fan. He was well-known as an accomplished pool and softball player, helping win team championships in both. Being a colorful story teller, Brian entertained those around him. One such story is that he only had two cups of coffee in his life, the first being at the age of five with his mother, vowing that it would be his last. This pledge held true until following a pool exhibition in the 1980s, when after shooting a round with legend, Willie Mosconi, Brian happily accepted an invitation to have a cup of coffee with the legend. Brian was a long-time cantor and loyal member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Janesville, formerly serving on the Parish Council. He was a former board member of the Noon Kiwanis, past president of the Serra Club, past Grand Knight of Carroll Council #596 Knights of Columbus, and current member of 4th Degree Msgr. Joseph Hanz Assembly #1209 and Fr. Olson-Msgr. Beck Council #10363. Brian excelled in the profession of funeral director and had an uncommon ability to remember numbers, dates, peoples names and their individual stories. He dedicated himself to his career, never taking a real vacation away from his business. Brian was very grateful to all the families who entrusted him with their loved-ones over the past decades. Survivors include his wife, Angela of Beloit; three siblings: Richard (David Eckert) Hansen of Palo Alto, CA, Susan (John) Young of Beloit, Robert (Marlene) Hansen of Rockton, IL; niece and nephew, Mariam Young and Mathew Young, both of Janesville; one aunt, Hildegarde Glueckstein of Menomonee Falls, WI; and a step-brother, Don (Bonnie) Krause of Ft. Atkinson, WI. In addition to his parents, Brian was preceded in death by one sister, Kathleen Hansen; two brothers, Mathew John Hansen Jr. and Jerome Hansen; step-mother, Mary Krause Hansen; step-brother, Robert Krause; aunts and uncles; and his beloved dogs, Josh and Jenny. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2015, at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH in Janesville, with Fr. Stephen Umhoefer, Fr. John Auby, Fr. James Kuhn and Fr. Randy Timmerman concelebrating. Visitation will be held from 2 until 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2015, at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N. Wright Rd., Janesville, and from 10 a.m. until time of the Mass on Monday at the CHURCH. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Janesville. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials to the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin, Janesville, or St. Mary Catholic Church, Janesville, would be appreciated. Brians family wishes to thank the Mercy Dialysis team for their exceptional care of him for the past four years. Thanks also to everyone that was involved in providing assistance to Brian, and his wife, this past Wednesday morning. Your expertise, compassion and friendship is appreciated more than words can express. HENKE-CLARSON, ALL FAITHS AND HANSEN FUNERAL HOMES, all of Janesville, are working in harmony to take care of Brian on his final journey. Online condolences may be made at www.hansenfh.com