Gerald "Jerry" D Hansen
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Gerald D. "Jerry" Hansen Obituary
Lifelong Laramie resident, Gerald Dwight "Jerry" Hansen, died on November 19 at the age of 83. He was recuperating at Casper facilities after several weeks at Ivinson Memorial Hospital.
He was born on February 1, 1938, in Laramie to Everett and Irma Hansen. His great-great-grandfather Hans Hansen emigrated from Denmark-Norway and became a UPRR employee. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather also worked for the railroad in Laramie, six generations, including the two Hansen sons.
He graduated from Laramie High School in 1956. In 1963 he married his neighborhood sweetheart, Kathy Hardin. They were married for 55 years.
Jerry was an award-winning truck driver with an amazing driving record. He drove for Wyoming Construction Co., and then Dooley Oil of Laramie. He paid attention to what he saw along the roads he drove daily. He could recite addresses and dates when he noticed something new or a building that was being torn down, something he hated to see happen.
He was a walking encyclopedia of Laramie's built environment and its people. In retirement he volunteered at the Laramie Plains Museum. He was considered "Mr. Laramie History" by the staff for his vast knowledge of local people, places, and events. As photo historian at the LPM, he could identify previously unknown historic buildings, even those shown in backgrounds?a lasting legacy enhancing the museum's photo collection.
He liked to explore former railroad grades like the one at the ghost town of Sherman. If he happened to find railroad spikes or old glass bottles while scouting out abandoned rail lines, so much the better. In 2014 he co-authored a book titled "Laramie Railroads," by Arcadia Publishing.
One of Jerry's favorite places was the site of Dale Creek Trestle southeast of Laramie, once the largest trestle on the UPRR. The trestle is long gone now, but he was such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour leader that he usually had no trouble gaining access permission from the private landowners.
The 1924 Union Pacific Depot in Laramie was a special place for Jerry. Not only did he hang out there as a kid, but he also helped turn it into a museum and events center after rail passenger service in Laramie ended. He had been a member and officer of the Depot governing body.
He was also a member of the Albany County Historical Society and the Albany County Historical Preservation Board. That led to him being instrumental in successful recent efforts designating Ames Monument as a Wyoming Historic Site. At the time of his death, he was serving on the Board of Directors of the Nici Self Museum in Centennial, where he enjoyed setting up his model railroad for their Christmas celebrations.
Jerry also was a member of the Lincoln Highway Historical Association and served as the Wyoming Director for that group. He could point out every spot where the roadbed of that historic highway can still be seen along US 287/30 and Interstate 80.
He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Kathy (in 2018), and by his brother James "Jim" Hansen and brother-in-law Frank Chadwick. He is survived by son Kip (Lorna) and her family, son Kirk (Jove) and step-grandson Liam. Other surviving relatives include his sister Judy Chadwick of Casper, sister-in-law Shirley Hansen, brother-in-law Tim Hardin and several other Laramie relatives including nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his many friends who lived along the Happy Jack Road, where his family spent many happy times at church services and ranch get-togethers.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service for family and friends will be announced for spring or summer 2022. Memorial gifts may be sent in Jerry's name to the Laramie Railroad Depot Association, P.O. Box 623, Laramie 82073 (or through the "donate" page at laramiedepot.org)?or to any of the organizations mentioned, where he was a valued member.