Jerald Hansen, 82, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Thursday, August 18, 2022, at Atlantic Specialty Care.
Jerald Paul was welcomed by four older siblings when he was born on May 7, 1940, to John and Ruby (Gerhardt) Hansen at home northeast of Atlantic, Iowa. Growing up as a farm kid it didn’t take long for Jerald to understand the work ethic that would be needed; this is something he maintained through his whole life. This work ethic and him beginning to lift weights during high school helped him develop body strength that was unlike most. Family shared he would toss bales of hay, with what looked like little effort, and hold multiple 5-gallon buckets in each hand and hop over a fence like he was weightless. He didn’t have to go far to attend country school, it was just a jump over the fence. Jerald graduated from Atlantic High School in the Class of 1958.
He worked for Pellett Gardens, the railroad, the beef plant in Oakland and most recently over 30 years at Wayne Feeds. Jerald worked a full-time job in addition to raising hogs on the home place where he lived until the last five years.
Jerald was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and was active in Men’s Club and other committees. He read the bible numerous times, John 3:16 being his favorite verse, and held a strong faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jerald was always busy and enjoyed deer hunting and taking adventures. These adventures included a trip to Antarctica, reaching the summit of Pikes Peak, and hiking numerous trails and through caves in Colorado. Oh, and let’s not forget at the age of 71, climbing 15,400 feet up on Mount Kilimanjaro to Camp Kibo in Africa, which is the last stop before the summit. He loved to ride his bike and participated in the BURR Ride, with temperatures below zero, across Iowa on RAGBRAI, and a 3-month trek across the United States. His intelligence and ability to think outside the box was truly amazing; he always hoped he would invent something. For many years he helped spread the Christmas spirit to kids in the neighborhood by playing Santa Claus.
Jerald had a heart of gold and was an amazing person: he will be missed by special cousins, Jim (Susan) Frisbie and Phyllis Pierce of Atlantic; and many cousins, extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruby (Gerhardt) Hansen; brother, Louis Hansen; sisters and brother-in-law, Arlene Hansen, Mary Hansen and Gwendolyn (Glen) Johnston; and many extended family.
Open visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., Monday, August 22, 2022, at Roland Funeral Home followed by visitation with the family present from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic, with Pastor Kyle McBee officiating. The service will be recorded and available on the funeral home website by noon on Wednesday. Burial will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Men’s Club at Zion Lutheran Church.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Jerald’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.
