John C Hansen

After nearly 85 years of a full life, John C Hansen, of Helena Montana was called home on February 10, 2014. He passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his family due to natural causes of age. He was born May 20, 1929, in a log cabin at Mink Creek, Idaho to Niels Wilford Hansen and Tora Virgia Wilde. It was here that he developed a love of the mountains, outdoors, horses, hunting and rodeo. He also learned the value of hard work and appreciation for friends and family. He attended Preston, Idaho schools where he was active in sports " football and track and FFA.
After graduation, he helped on the farm before serving a Spanish speaking mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Texas. Within days of his return, he was drafted into the Korean War and served with the U.S. Army, 2nd Infantry Division, 23rd Infantry Regiment. His unit received the Presidential Commendation. Upon his return from the War, he was a commercial driver for England Trucking. He returned to Preston, Idaho and worked for Palmer Motors as a mechanic. It was then that a friend introduced him to his sweetheart and love of his life, Janeal Cazier Hoffman, a widow with four young children. John was smitten with Janeal's sweet spirit. They were married in the Logan, Utah Temple on Nov. 7, 1958 and soon added four more children to their family.
He worked at Thiokol for a short time before relocating to Montana where he ranched in Toston with his father-in-law, Vordis Cazier, at Park Trail Ranch. During this time, he also was called to serve as the Three Forks Branch President where he served for eleven years. He made numerous friends that became family and loved them all unconditionally. He also served as High Councilor in the Helena Stake. John's life included a lifelong devotion to God, family and friends, always putting another's needs ahead of his own. He also served on the School Board for Broadwater County. He farmed in Townsend, Montana and in later years worked with Bingham Livestock of Tremonton, Utah, where he was lovingly referred to as "Pappy". He enjoyed his retirement years in Preston, Idaho with his wife, looking forward to trips that would take them in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark Trail. Health needs brought him to live in Helena, Montana.
He is survived by his eight children. Michael (Patty) Hoffman, Wayne (Pauline) Hoffman, Marilyn (Alan) Manwill, Deanna Hoffman, Marian (Richard) Mallard, John Hansen, Pamela (Dean) Helmick, Geraldine (Scott) Colvin. He is survived by all of his 22 grandchildren, and 62 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janeal (2011) and his siblings, Vinora, Hugh, Adria, Ane, and MarDene. Undoubtedly, there has been a tremendous reunion with family and friends.
Funeral services will be Saturday, February 15, 11:00 a.m. at the Townsend LDS Church, 916 Broadway, Townsend, Montana. Family will receive friends Friday 6pm-8pm at the Townsend Church and Saturday 9:30-10:30 a.m. also at the Townsend LDS Church. Burial will be in the Deep Creek Townsend Cemetery under the direction of Webb Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.webbmortuary.com