Robert Hansen
November 03, 1931 - October 29, 2019
Obituary
Robert C. “Bob” Hansen, 87, of Platteville, Wisconsin, died on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at Epione Pavillion, Cuba City. Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m. on December 7, 2019 at the Platteville Free Methodist Church. Pastor Jeff Suits will officiate. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, Platteville. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Memorials may be made to the Children's Tumor Foundation (Neurofibromatosis), The Robert Hansen Scholarship at UW- Platteville, the Free Methodist Church World Mission, and Gideons. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.
Bob was born on November 3, 1931 in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, the son of Lars and Grace (Gerland) Hansen. He grew up living on a small dairy farm in Bloomer, Wisconsin, attending the Churchhill Grade School and graduating from Bloomer High School in 1949. Bob attended the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire from 1949-1953 where he received his bachelor's degree in secondary education with majors in Physical Science and Mathematics. Bob went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 where he worked in Troops Information and as an Education Specialist. He also worked three summers as an Inspector for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. Bob then attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison where he received his masters degree and Ph. D in analytical chemistry. Bob was united in marriage to Alice Serstad on May 21, 1960 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. Bob taught at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville from September 1959 until his retirement in May 1996.
Bob is survived by his son, Neale Hansen; siblings, Elaine Robinette, Jim (Darlene) Hansen, Skip (Litta) Hansen, Thomas (Pam) Hansen, and Allen (Barbara) Hansen. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Alice; daughter, Kirsten; and brother, Wilbur.