John was born in Bottineau, ND to Art and Irene Hansen. He graduated from Bottineau High School and attended the Bottineau School of Forestry and Minot State Teachers College. After serving in the US Navy, he received his Airframe and Powerplant License from Kundert A & P School of Aviation, Fargo, ND. He then taught at Kundert's (later named Dakota Aero Tech) for 10 years. In 1979, he moved to Wichita, KS to teach at the Cessna Training Academy and FlightSafety International Cessna Maintenance Training Center. He was promoted to Center Manager in February 1988, a position he held until his retirement in January 2007.

For over 30 years, John volunteered as a member of the National Technical Committee, SkillsUSA Aviation Maintenance Competition.

John was married to Muriel Phelps for 53 years and they made their home in Minot, ND, Fargo, ND and Wichita, KS. After they retired, they moved to Pomme de Terre Lake in Pittsburg, MO.

He was a beloved brother, husband, father, and grandfather. His humor and devotion to the people that he loved will be greatly missed. He had a life-long love of the water and all that it entailed. He taught countless number of people to waterski behind his red boat. His grandchildren were incredibly special to him and each have special memories of working on projects in his shop, fishing, and boating. He sang in many choirs throughout his life, including the Pomme de Terre Community Choir and the County Men of Note. His beautiful bass voice was a gift to all who heard it. He loved a good project and the challenge of fixing things others thought couldn't be done.

John died February 20 ^th , 2021. His service will be held at Pomme de Terre United Methodist Church, Carson's Corner, MO on Sunday, March 14 ^th at 2:00 pm. COVID protocols will be in place. The service may be viewed on the Pomme de Terre United Methodist Facebook page. Inurnment will be at the Columbarium at Pomme de Terre United Methodist Church.

John is survived by his wife, Muriel; son, Paul Hansen (Christine) and daughter, Christina Rodriquez (Adam); grandchildren, Luke, Benjamin, Matthew, Henry, Nora; two brothers, Andrew (Stephanie), Thomas (Lynne) and one sister, Mary (John).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in his memory to Hickory County C.A.R.E.S Food Pantry in Wheatland, MO; Doc B-29 in Wichita, KS; SkillsUSA, or Metigoshe Ministries in Bottineau, ND.