Individual Details

Hans received his education and automotive training in the Pender, Nebraska, area. He came to Brooklyn in 1924 and owned and operated Hansen Battery. From 1946 to 1954 he had the Kaiser-Frazer Dealership known as Hansen Motors. He continued Hansen Motors, doing small engine sales and service until his retirement.
He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church and a 50 year member of Corinthian Lodge 174 AF & AM and the Eastern Star. He held all of the offices of the lodge and was Master of the Lodge.

A STONE'S THROW --- With the passing of U. J. "Hans" Hansen goes another Brooklyn legend. Although not a Brooklyn native, Hans was the town's oldest businessman when he retired last winter. He was 88 and the business he had owned and operated was going on it's 59th year.
Hans, in answer to a newspaper ad, came to Brooklyn in 1924. He started his battery and car repair business that year in the old Town Hall where the Municipal Light Plant is now located. He moved from there to the building across the street now occupied by Vic Vogel's This & That. In an interview a few years ago he said he believed he had worked on most Brooklyn people's cars at some time or another during his time. "His time" also included a Kaiser-Frazer dealership, being a mechanic, a battery service and repair.
When power mowers became more pupular some 20 years ago, their repair increased accordingly and Hans' business followed the trend. His work shop moved to the Kraft building where the post office is now located. When the building was to be razed he moved across the street to the Roudabush building. He was a "doctor of sorts" for ailing snowblowers and probably guided a tiller through as many area gardens as anyone.
The Hansens were grand marshals of the 1980 Brookly summer celebration. Because of failing health he sold his business May 1, 1984.
Hans' wife, Helen, and son Charles had wanted a brief history told when the sale of the business took place. Hans was at Brookhaven, Charles had undergone surgery. Finding a right time then was near impossible and our interview never materialized. Now, again, I find myself with misgivvings, but not without memories. I recall the silhouette of a tall human frame bent at hip and knee on our sandbox as, with pliers in hand, he straightened a crumpled toy truck that he didn't see when he backed his pickup to the garden with the tiller.
More vivid reminders would be his friendly smile and greeting should he meet friends at the post office or enroute. His smile seemed to get brighter as his pace slowed. It's one we'lll surely miss.

Birth	9 Aug 1896	Pender, Thurston, Nebraska, United States
Marriage	11 Nov 1928	C. E. Willet home, Warren Township, Poweshiek Co., IA - Helen Iola WILLETT
Death	8 Jul 1984	Brookhaven Nursing Home, Brooklyn, Poweshiek Co., IA
Burial	Aft 8 Jul 1984	IOOF Cemetery, Brooklyn, Poweshiek Co., IA
Marriage		Helen Iola WILLETT
Alt name		Uwe Jens "Hans" HANSEN
Reference No		1168

Spouse	Helen Iola WILLETT (1904 - 1996)
Child	Living