Gunnar Oscar Hansen, of Louisville, died on July 10, 2021, just 15 days shy of his 90th birthday. He was born in Mobile, AL on July 25, 1931. His father, Gunnar Hansen, immigrated from Stockholm, Sweden as a young man, and his mother, Elida Marie Nelson Hansen, was from a family which immigrated from Sweden the previous generation. Gunnar was proud of his Swedish heritage.
After graduating from Murphy High School in Mobile in 1948, Gunnar enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1949, and after graduating in 1953, he again served in the Marines in Okinawa, Japan, Korea, and at several Marine Corps bases in the United States. He rose to the rank of Captain.
As a young Marine Lieutenant, Gunnar befriended and helped support two young Marines in the South Korean military. In addition to encouraging their education, he sponsored them to become American citizens. One of those young men, Dr. Syngman Rhee, became President of the World Council of Churches and, in later years, stayed in communication with Gunnar.
In 1965 Gunnar enrolled in San Diego State University and earned a Master's Degree in Mathematics in 1968. He taught Mathematics at Jefferson Community College, at U. of L, Indiana U. Southeast, and also at the Job Corps Center in Simpsonville. Gunnar became a Kentucky Colonel in recognition of his volunteer work tutoring prison inmates in Mathematics.
In 1968 he married Diana Williams Hansen of Louisville, who survives him. He is also survived by their two children, Christina Diana Hansen and Gunnar Thomas Hansen, both of Louisville. He is also survived by his sister, Sigrid Christine Hansen Childers Hyman of Columbia, SC, and her family. His other sister, Marie Alice Hansen of Mobile, predeceased him.
Gunnar was a good man with a wonderful sense of humor, which always uplifted his family. All his life, Gunnar loved games and puzzles. He also liked to exercise and enjoyed the game of golf among other activities. In his retirement he became a good bridge player with his wife as his partner. Ironically, if (or when) they won a game or tournament, he was always modestly surprised, but then he wanted to be called "The Champ". He is, and always will be, missed tremendously.
For 15 years after retirement, Gunnar was a faithful member of the Thursday Bridge Group at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 2822 Frankfort Ave, 40206. His funeral will be held at St. Mark's, on Saturday, July 24 with visitation from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and the service starting at 2 p.m. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the church.
Published by Courier-Journal from Jul. 15 to Jul. 18, 2021.