Hans Ray Hansen
Hans Ray "Cotton" Hansen, 85, was born Oct. 7, 1917, near Marion, the son of Hans Louden and Henrietta (Suffield) Hansen. He grew up and attended school at Marion.
When World War II came, Hans served in the Army in the European Theater of Operations. He entered service Oct. 1, 1940, and was overseas more than two years, earning five campaign battle stars. He also received the Presidential Citation. He was discharged Oct. 10, 1945, with the rank of sergeant.
He was employed by Riddle Quarries and later Hallett Quarries at Marion until his retirement in the early 1980s.
Ray was married to Doris Wangerin, who died Oct. 22, 1978. He also was preceded in death by a daughter Jeanne Hansen and two half-brothers, Walter and Joseph Claney.
Ray attended Our Savior Lutheran Church in Marion and was a member of the VFW and the American Legion.
He enjoyed gardening and cooking and baking in the kitchen. He liked to visit with his friends and never knew a stranger.
In 1983 he was married to Marie Rosenberg at McPherson.
For about two weeks he had been hospitalized at the Veterans' Administration Hospital at Wichita where he died July 17, 2003.
He is survived by his wife Marie of the home, daughter Susan Stannard of Mission Woods, stepdaughter Valerie Schmacher of Hays, and one grandson.
Funeral services were held Monday at Zeiner Funeral Home with the Rev. Alan Stahlecker officiating. Burial followed at Marion Cemetery with military honors.
