\n

Louis Arthur Hansen passed away Nov. 20, 2010, a few weeks before his 95th birthday. He was born Dec. 28, 1915, in Kansas City, Mo., the youngest of three children reared by Danish immigrants Jeppe and Laura Hansen.

\n

His love of music and the arts found expression in a satisfying career in music education and choral conducting that spanned the decades from the end of the Great Depression to his 1980 retirement as professor emeritus from California State University, Los Angeles. He earned both a bachelor of music and bachelor of arts degree from Missouri Valley College, a master of music from Northwestern University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. His graduate studies were interrupted when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in World War II and completed tours of duty in China, Burma, India and Germany, leaving military service as a 2nd Lieutenant.

\n

Louis and his wife Rachel, a nurse anesthetist, enjoyed 49 years together, raised two children and were an integral part of the lives of their two grandsons following their move to Davis in the early 1980s. Throughout his long and active life, “Lou” was known for his good-natured and fun-loving spirit, kindness and keen interest in the world around him. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him and whose lives have been touched by his positive influence.

\n

He is survived by his son Bruce A. Hansen, his daughter Sandra Hansen, and by his grandsons Nikolas and Nathan Daskalos. Louis will be laid to rest with military honors at the Davis Cemetery next to Rachel, who died in 1996. A memorial service in celebration of his life will begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at Davis Community Church, 412 C St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the DCC Memorial Fund, or to a charity of the donor\’s choice.

\n

Comments

comments