Wayne "Hank" Hansen

Birth date: Sep 16, 1940 Death date: Sep 25, 2020

Wayne "Hank" Hansen, 80, of Ames, Iowa, passed away at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Friday, September 25, 2020. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Ca Read Obituary

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Chick Petersen

216w ago

I owe Hank a gratitude for my life. He inspired, allowing for where you were finding the inspiration in yourself to flourish and show how to do that. That's NOT EASY working with a bunch of wild teenage youts that really didn't know that that's what they were looking for! So much love and admiration that I can't put into words - and Hank would have helped me find them...

My dear friends - sorry to be late to this but thank you for your posts that are so beautiful - esp. Rick Paulson for putting it so wonderfully and Linda Welch for that pic that I always remember him as.

Hank - Love and thanks to you.

Andy Mcroberts

294w ago

I just learned of Hank's passing in the latest AHS Alumni newsletter and immediately was drawn to many wonderful memories of him and the AHS theatre program. Some of my most fondest and endearing times were spent in that theatre with Hank at the forefront of it all. He was eclectic and demanding but we all knew he did it with love and to push us for success. I learned so much from him and will never forget him. Overalls and all. Thank you Hank. Cheers, Andy McRoberts, AHS 1978

Lavonne Mcroberts-Pauley

303w ago

Mr. Hansen is an incredible teacher who left his legacy with every single one of his students that he taught. I've been thinking a lot of him lately, primarily in the past 2 months. I wanted him to know how much he meant to me and how much he mentored me and shaped by interactions. I think of his teachings on a daily basis. When I am feeling sad or upset, I think of his hilarious quirky humor; I think of him throwing a rubber chicken, or listening to classical music while we worked, or slamming books down next to kids who had drifted off to sleep. He is an amazing person and his legacy will always live on. -Lavonne McRoberts-Pauley

Kevin W. Buck

304w ago

I’m one of the silly AHS kids who did not take advantage of participating in drama. But I never missed a performance. EVERYONE at Ames High knew Hank and he was a legend! Some men go through like and wonder their impact on others. Hank never had those thoughts. Just reading the tributes below shows Hanks impact long after his students left AHS. Thanks Hank for enriching my life and my fellow classmates.

Catlyn Beach

304w ago

I just want to say thank you Hank. For believing in me when I was an awkward 15 year old kid who didn’t even know how to believe in myself; and helping to learn how to have more confidence in myself. I’m thankful I had you as a teacher. And thanks for helping me learn to listen to my instincts. Prayers and condolences to the family.

Larry Paulsen

304w ago

Hank taught me, directed me and guided me in theatre arts 1970-1973 at Ames High. I want to share with you that he was the very best teacher I ever had. I found a second home in his classroom, challenge and joy in the work we did together, and a path in life that I have followed to this day. He trusted me when I didn't know if I could trust myself, supported me and let me know that it might be possible have a life in the theatre: a world of thought,emotions, poetry, wisdom, folly, delight, great beauty and always, always, always great joy. All this I owe to this most generous and inspiring teacher. I cannot attend this service in person, but I will always carry Hank's influence and inspiration with me. Thank you, Mr. Hansen. God speed.

Gretchen Potter Houser

304w ago

Hank was entirely invested in his students and creating a path of pursuing excellence in any endeavor his student pursued. He wasn't keen on cutting people slack for second best efforts. Hank taught me the importance of getting out of yourself to present the message of the author. How fortunate I was to learn this skill set. My adult opportunity for theater has been in church productions. Thanks Hank for setting a high standard, for your commitment to your students and for having an infectious sense of humor. You will be missed.

Roger And Jean Hansen

304w ago

We love you Wayne and will miss your Sunday morning phone call. Most of all we will miss your sense of humor and your wonderful laugh. You were the best of the best. Or as Roger says, you were the best of a bad lot. You were one of a kind and will never be replaced in our lives. Love you, Roger (brother) and Jean

Victoria Van Voorhis

304w ago

We loved him.

He taught us, encouraged us, disciplined us, gave us joy, and we had a blast!

Dave Duit

304w ago

Hank was kind of a second dad for me at AHS. Hank was a kind soul who was always there to share a laugh or two. I worked with Hank as his substitute teacher from time to time and I cherish the lessons of life and a new way to look at the world. I miss him and I know he will always be on that grand theatre stage in my heart.
Dave Duit

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