Warren Hansen

Warren (Buzz) Hansen, 92, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Northwood Deaconess Health Center Nursing Home in Northwood, ND.

Buzz Hansen was born in Bowbells, ND on July 16, 1923, the son of George and Martina (Briggs) Hansen. He served in the Army from 1942 to 1946 under Co “A” 66th Tank Battalion and later went on to be an active member of the Rolla American Legion for over 50 years. On June 20, 1948, Buzz married the love of his life, Shirley Koch, in Bowbells, ND. They then moved to Rolla, ND where Buzz was a vibrant and active member of the community. He was parts manager at Theel Motors for many years. He then built, owned, and operated Buzz’s Motel and Chicken Hut for over 17 years. Buzz later worked for the Post Office in Rolla and became the Postmaster in Norwich, ND. Buzz enjoyed golfing, playing cards and entertaining. After retirement, Buzz and Shirley moved to Arvilla, ND to be nearer to family. So near, in fact, that their grandchildren could walk across the yard to enjoy root beer floats and picking apples. Buzz and Shirley spent their winters in Yuma, AZ where Buzz continued to golf regularly, call for bingo games and play cards with friends. Buzz will be best remembered as an active and loving dad, grandpa and great-grandpa that was always full of vim and vigor.

Buzz is survived by his children: Susan McMahon of Arvilla, ND and Donald Hansen of Northwood, ND. Grandchildren: Amy McMahon, Wilmington, NC, Tim (Tanya) McMahon, Bemidji, MN and Emily (Ryan) Henneman, Arvilla, ND. Great-grandchildren: Aubree and Cora Henneman. Sister-in-laws: Beverly Andolsek, Greeley, CO, Delores Koch, Sturgis, SD and Judy Hoffman, Brighton, CO.

Buzz was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, his parents, his 2 sisters Evelyn Hansen and Lorraine Beach and his son-in-law, John McMahon.

A celebration of his life with military honors will be held at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan, ND on May 13, 2016 at 11am.