Jon M. Hansen

Jon Mitchell Hansen, 71, of Cedar Falls, Iowa went to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on December 20, 2023 after battling a long journey of polycystic kidney disease. Jon, fondly referred to “Byrd” by many and “Papa Jon” to a few, was born the fifth child of six on April 20, 1952 in Waterloo, Iowa to George and Marvel Hansen. He grew up between the country and in the town of Dike, Iowa. His childhood usually had friends around and a car he was messing with. As a teenager in the 60’s he was known to have some fun, drive a cool bike, and spend his time at Dike High School where he graduated in 1971. Jon “Byrd” had a big personality and loved being with people, that’s for sure! Shortly after high-school Jon joined Ardelle Henze in marriage on August 25, 1973. Their union brought one of his greatest joy’s through one son, David Michael Hansen, of Cedar Falls, Iowa. They later divorced but co-parented the following years together. Jon spent his earliest years working as a mechanic for Phillips 66 Station in Dike, Iowa. He later worked at John Deere and then UNI. Jon eventually finished a long career as a machinist and retired from Viking Pump. His hard-work ethic was easy to recognize and there weren’t too many jobs that Jon didn’t finish without complete attention to detail. Whether it be another day at the job, tackling his yard work, or cleaning up his garage, Jon had a knack for doing it and doing it well. In Jon’s younger years he especially enjoyed using his skills as a member of his cousin’s racing pit crew. His work days often started grabbing a donut at Donutland on University and finishing the day down the street at Village Inn. Some might remember him as “a local regular”. You didn’t have to hang around Jon too long to know he loved a few things. Fast cars, a good long coffee visit, a nice long walk or bike ride on the trails, Sunday mornings at Orchard Hill Church or tagging along anywhere with his Route 55 crew. For many summers he and Dave as a kid made the trip to northern Minnesota to one of their favorite places, his parents home on Bowestring lake. Fishing or snowmobiling in the opposite season made for many memories of visiting up north. Race days and sunny and 75 is where Jon would really beam! Throw in a well cleaned and waxed car and he was simply satisfied with the day's effort. He had a select few favorite teams as well. Taking Dave to his first Vikings game in 1983 set them up to be lifelong fans. Eventually he became a Cedar Falls Tigers fan where he spent many years cheering on his grandkids from the sidelines, plus a local UNI Panthers fan for good measure. There were many years you could see Jon on the back of his motorcycle always finding the back roads with the best views and making time to stop and say hello to friends and family. You could count on him to bring the cooler full of sodas for the family gatherings and in the last few years, a table full of conversation at table 6 in his Western Home dwelling. Jon left an imprint wherever he was! One of the best decisions Jon made for his life was to choose Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He even once had some shirts made just for him to wear with a simple testimony of “Jesus, My hero, My Friend”. He found fellowship and a church family for over 30 years at Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Falls and recently Fresh Wind Ministries in the Western Home Community. He always had a place to belong with his church body of followers and friends. Jon is preceded in death by both his parents, George and Marvel, his big brother Phil Hansen, another big brother Robert “Bob” Hansen, a big sister Sara Stoffregen, and maternal and paternal grandparents as well as a special Aunt Sylvia. Jon will be remembered by and survived by his son, Dave and his wife Jess Hansen along with Jon’s five “special to me” as he called them grandkids, Jaxon, Austin, Carson, Savannah, and Brody all of Cedar Falls. Also, big sister Brenda (John Perry) Hansen and little brother Jim (Coni) Hansen, as well as many nieces and nephews. As we celebrate Jon’s life, we invite you to borrow his ability to make the time. Take the drive to visit some old friends, linger a bit longer around the table with enough time for two cups of coffee, find the best views on the back roads and soak in the beauty of our Creator, or ponder on the gift of Jesus being our hero, our friend. To honor Papa Jon, we want to direct all memorial gifts to the beloved Route 55 ministry and crew of Orchard Hill Church where he spent many of his last years in community, volunteering, and always making room for one more to be a part of the special mission they exist for. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Falls with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. until service time. Interment at Elmwood Cemetery in Dike.

Jon M. Hansen

April 20, 1952 - December 20, 2023