Robert R. Hansel, 73, Burleson, Texas, passed away Sept. 7, 2018, at Texas Hughley Hospital after a lengthy struggle with health and life crisis issues.
Bob was born May 29, 1945, in Richland Center, Wis., to Raymond Hansel and Colleen Hansel Staum. His stepparents were Hazel Hansel and Roy Staum. His older brother was Edward Oliver; all preceded him in death. He was raised between Milwaukee and Boaz, Wis., until moving to Anoka as a teenager. Bob enlisted at age 17 in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the USS Enterprise and the USS Hornet. His service took him overseas to many countries including Japan and Italy. During a special tour, his ship recovered an early Earth-orbit NASA capsule. Upon honorable discharge, he returned to Minnesota, married and began a career in law enforcement. Bob served with the Anoka, Champlain and Ramsey police departments. He was active in Operation ID, K-9 units, motorcycle patrols and juvenile diversion programs. He and his first wife built a new home in Ramsey, welcomed two older children and enjoyed many years of family life. Bob also liked hunting, fishing and dirt track racing during these years.
After a family split, Bob moved back to Milwaukee for a short time, learned the precious metals business and began to travel. He settled in Burleson, Texas, with his father, Ray, in the early 1980s. He worked as a house painter, security officer and owned several independent businesses. He worked last for Williams Oil Company of Texas, retiring for health reason in 2010.
Bob enjoyed hosting festivities and welcoming people to his beloved ranch home. He was known for his stories, sayings, quick quips and his “Texas cocktail hour,” which was any time that he decided it was! He loved animals, especially his companion pets. He was a collector of anything with an engine or that would shoot. Many conversations and cups of coffee were shared at the window of his dining room table.
Bob also liked music, old Western movies and anything Texas. As a descendant of the Cherokee Rosebud Nation, he loved Native American and Western art. He had been a member of the American Legion and Police and Peace Officers Association in Minnesota and Texas, although he was not active at the time of his death. He was able to renew spiritually after some years in emotional darkness, with chaplain services where he resided.
Known survivors are siblings, Sheila Hooghkirk, Rochelle, Ill.; M. Kim Staum, Tamarack; and Rhonda Staum, Aitkin; many nieces and nephews; and many kind friends in Texas and Minnesota.
Cremation services were provided by the Neptune Society of North Richland Hills, Texas. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated in Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Minnesota with family. Other tributes are to be determined. Correspondence may be sent c/o Staum, General Delivery, Aitkin, MN 56431. Share a memory on Facebook.