John Jacob Hansen

John Jacob Hansen was born on July 26, 1941. He grew up and lived in Johnsonburg his entire life. He met his bride to be while still in high school and they married on June 30, 1962. He built his family’s home soon after with his brothers and friends help. He was drafted into the US Army in 1966 and served in active duty in Vietnam from 1966-67. Shortly after his return, he bought his first truck and started his own trucking business, first hauling dirt during the last phases of interstate highway building in the late 60’s-early 70’s. He then began hauling frozen foods all over the Northeast and East Coast during the 70s, 80s and 90s. Shortly after that he became involved with Waterboy Pool Filling and began hauling water, working 15-hour summer days well into his 70s. He began to slow down once he hit 80, but still loved to fire up that 18 wheeler and move it on down the road. He loved the outdoors and animals, feeding all of them whenever he could. He would keep 50lb bags of cracked corn out for the hungry deer (and bears), and had bird feeders all over his yard that he would keep full of food until the squirrels would knock it out. His kindness and his heart also extended to his volunteer time with his son’s Boy Scout troop, returning from a long haul early Saturday mornings to jump in the shower and go camping for the weekend or canoe 50 miles down the Delaware River. His cats, dogs, chickens, and guinea hens brought him endless joy and love.

He succumbed to illness related to a heart condition (maybe there was just too much love in it) on June 23, 2024 at the age of 82.

He is survived by a son, John Michael Hansen, a nephew Raymond Hansen Jr., sisters in law Debbie Hansen and Sharon Hansen, and his significant other, Nellie Klaver. He is preceded by his father and mother, John L Hansen and Lottie Hansen. Two brothers, William Hansen and Raymond Hansen, and his wife, Veronica “Ronnie” Hansen (Bolzan).

Services will be held at a later date.