Story posted Friday, February 5, 2010
Republican Leader Hansen Dies At 83
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
It seemed ironic that a man who worked on and participated in so many elections over the years, passed away on Election Day, Tuesday, Feb. 2.
A funeral service will be held in two weeks for former Elk Grove Township Republican committeeman and Cook County Board Commissioner Carl Hansen who died from complications from dementia at the age of 83 on Feb. 2 at Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter in Skokie.
"He was a fierce Republican---probably one of the most Republican people I ever knew," said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Nanci Vanderweel, who knew Hansen for over 40 years. "He was also fearless when it came to standing up for what he believed in while serving on the Cook County Board, even if he was the lone defender, it didn't bother him."
In 1970, Hansen, a long-time Mt. Prospect resident, served 10 months on the county board on an interim basis, and then was elected to the same public body in 1974. He retained that position for 32 years until he was defeated in the 2006 primary election by Timothy Schneider.
"He knew his business better than any other person on the county board and that's because he read everything, especially the budget," said Vanderweel. "I don't know how he did it, but I always envied his ability to read every line and understand it."
Hansen served as Elk Grove Township Republican committeeman for over 40 years dating back to the 1960s, and prior to that was part of the Young Republicans organization.
"He knew every precinct, block, house, and knew where every Republican lived," said Vanderweel. "He was a marvelous strategist when it came to elections and had a gift being able to analyze just where and what precinct needed more work."
Journal & Topics Editor and Publisher Todd Wessell, who also knew Hansen well, said even though Hansen was a thorn in Chicago Democrats side, he remained close friends with the late Cook County Board President John Stroger, a Democrat.
"He was a very tall man and commanded attention when he came into a room, and had a distinctive loud laugh," said Wessell. He was also very proud of his Scandinavian heritage.
Hansen's wife Christl passed away in 2007 from complications from Alzheimer's Disease.
"It was devastating to Carl, because he adored that woman and was so in love with her, which was wonderful to see," said Vanderweel, adding that Hansen looked frail the last time she saw him in December.
Hansen is survived by his son and granddaughter who live in Germany. Visitation will take place Friday, Feb. 19 at Friedrich's Funeral Home in Mt. Prospect. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Mt. Prospect.
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