PAUL HANSEN

Paul B. Hansen, of Neenah, age 100, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2014, at Oakridge Gardens Health Center. He was born November 23, 1913 in Malta, Montana, son of the late Ferd and Cora (Meyer) Hansen. Paul graduated from Lower Natches High School, Yakima, Washington in 1932 and from Washington State College in 1937 with a degree in chemical engineering. In 1943 he earned his PhD from the Institute of Paper Chemistry in Appleton, Wisconsin. While there he met his future wife, Jane Fletcher, on a blind date. They were married on June 17, 1944, and moved to Neenah later that same year. Paul was employed in the paper industry for over 32 years, nine of which were with Bergstrom's and nineteen with Kimberly Clark, working in research, development, management, and information systems. After retirement he continued in the paper field in teaching and consulting capacities. He was a member of TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry) for 70 years. Paul was very active in civic affairs in Neenah: as City Water Commissioner 1954-58; Alderman of the ninth ward 1958-61; served as president of the PTA council; and served on the Neenah School Board 1974-1986, a number of those years as president. He was also a long-time member of the Neenah Rotary Club. Paul and Jane have been members of the first Presbyterian Church of Neenah since 1946. At various times he taught adult Sunday School, served as president of the Men's Club, and also as deacon and elder. In 1965 Paul became a charter member of the Neenah Community Band and played his trumpet with them for 37 years. In the mid-sixties he participated in a number of productions of The Riverside Players, including taking the parts of Thurber and Robert E. Lee in "A Thurber Carnival", and the psychiatrist in "Harvey". Paul and Jane were also active members in the "Stage Frights" club and acted in and hosted many amusing plays from 1971-1999. And Paul also enjoyed sailing on Lake Winnebago and taught his children how to sail. In his retirement Paul enjoyed traveling around the country with Jane visiting their children, grandchildren, and friends. He continued his activities as an ace handyman, and also finished writing his autobiography in 2006. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Jane; four children: Ann (Brent) Hansen-Weaver, Kay Hansen, Tim (Linda) Hansen, Jim Hansen; eight grandchildren: Toby Hansen, Lucy(Steve) Nobles, Chris Hansen, Jane (Geoff) Kramer, Tim Hansen Jr, Peter Hansen, Ed Hansen and Spencer Hansen; two great-grandchildren: Ruby and Calvin Nobles; and nieces and nephews in the Northwest. Paul was preceded in death by three sisters, Elinor Hansen, Ann Ingham, and Louise Watts, and a daughter-in-law, Roxie Ternes. A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at the First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 1:30 P.M. with Rev. Richard Moore officiating. The visitation will be held at the church from 12:45 until the hour of service with a gathering in the parlor after the service. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established in his name.