Steven A. Hansen of 729 S Fifth Ave, Wausau, born Feb. 16, 1966 – died March 10, 2005 at the age of 39 years.
Teacher, friend, husband, son, mentor, advisor, motivator, confidant, and lifelong learner. Steve lived his life by one of his favorite quotes, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Ghandi. He was a motivated doer whose favorite line was “Tenacious engagement.” His successes and accomplishments vary from professional to personal and include most recently bringing renewable energy to the new East, creating a greenhouse “that rocks,” building an Outdoor Club that numbers well over 60 students at this time which he was very “down with”. Steve was an inspiration to his students, colleagues, friends, and family, inspiring them to live full lives and that no challenge is too great.
He was passionate about the outdoors, rock climbing, biking, dinners on the deck, outdoor movie night, traveling, hanging out in Amherst and planning his next adventure. He was an incredible cook and took care of all those around him. He loved books, fixing things, working on his VW van, Marvin, and problem solving.
He is survived by his dear wife, Jody, and “the fam” Mr. Mickinnley, Ms. Clara, and Sunny Kitty. He is also survived by his mother, Judy Hansen; brother, John (Mary) Hansen; sister, Jennifer Hansen; in-laws, Dennis and Gail Krieg; sister-in-laws, Brenda (Steve) Bierman, Stevens Point; and brother-in-law, Kevin Krieg, Brussels, Belgium. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Allan Hansen.
A “Celebration of Life” was held at 3pm, March 13, 2005 at the Wausau East High School Gymnasium. The Rev. Ken Moberg officiated.
I have many memories of Steve but there is one that will always stand out in my mind.
It was our last day of school (Spring 1984) everyone was excited, one phase of life is over another is just beginning, not sure what the future held but we were excited to get there. I was just as excited heading to my locker to do my final clean up when I came across Steve. Steve was standing outside his math class and he looked anxious and nervous. His anxiety was all based on not knowing if he was going to pass his final math class. If he didn’t pass he would not have graduated and the thought of not graduating would be devastating for anyone even Steve. I sensed that he did not want me to hang out with him just in case the news was bad so I told him don’t worry and that I had faith that he would pass. I can’t remember if it was minutes or hours, details fade after 20 plus years, but I finally received the happy news from Steve that he had passed and that he would be graduating with the class. His excitement had returned and a major weight had been lifted, he was “free” like the rest of us. Steve always had passion, perseverance, and resolve for everything he did. Those are excellent traits that allowed him to go from barely graduating to passing college and becoming a respected high school teacher at Wausau East. You are to be admired for your accomplishments and you are an example for everyone showing perseverance and dedication are the building blocks for success. We miss you Steve
Todd Gunderson
I have many memories of Steve but there is one that will always stand out in my mind.It was our last day of school (Spring 1984) everyone was excited, one phase of life is over another is just beginning, not sure what the future held but we were excited to get there. I was just as excited heading to my locker to do my final clean up when I came across Steve. Steve was standing outside his math class and he looked anxious and nervous. His anxiety was all based on not knowing if he was going to pass his final math class. If he didn’t pass he would not have graduated and the thought of not graduating would be devastating for anyone even Steve. I sensed that he did not want me to hang out with him just in case the news was bad so I told him don’t worry and that I had faith that he would pass. I can’t remember if it was minutes or hours, details fade after 20 plus years, but I finally received the happy news from Steve that he had passed and that he would be graduating with the class. His excitement had returned and a major weight had been lifted, he was “free” like the rest of us. Steve always had passion, perseverance, and resolve for everything he did. Those are excellent traits that allowed him to go from barely graduating to passing college and becoming a respected high school teacher at Wausau East. You are to be admired for your accomplishments and you are an example for everyone showing perseverance and dedication are the building blocks for success. We miss you Steve