Jack W. Hansen

Jack Hansen, 94, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter in Pocatello, Friday, April 15th, 2016.

Jack was born in Clawson, Idaho on April 24, 1921 to David and Adeline Hansen. He lived there during his formative years where he helped his father milk cows and farm. He spent lots of time playing with his brothers and his good childhood friends in the trees, creeks and riding horses.
He went to school in Clawson's one room school house and later in Tetonia where he rode his horse to school regardless of the weather. He continued his education at Teton High School in Driggs, graduating in 1939. There he lettered in football and boxing. He was also proud of the fact that he boxed in the golden gloves.

January 1940 was a sad part of his life, as his father, a hero in his eyes, passed away suddenly. This left his mother with three young children at home. The three older boys, including Jack, took on the responsibility of helping his mother run the farm.

In High School, Jack had met and dated LaVerta Regenmorter, and found her to be the love of his life. So he asked for her hand and they were married Nov. 4, 1940. This marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls temple. He often said he didn't know if her dad approved originally, but as the years went by, he realized he was the favorite son-in –law. As of last November they have been married seventy-five years.

They started their marriage in a two room cabin on Jack's parent's family farm in Clawson. During this first year, Jack drove a school bus, (a covered sleigh pulled by four horses and equipped with a pot- bellied stove), picking up sixty kids in the Clawson area. While living in Clawson, their eldest son Bill was born and no one could ever have been more loved.

The spring of 1943, and the purchase of a farm in Darby, found him teaching LaVerta, the "town girl", a new way of life. Starting their own farm was exciting, but filled with hard work, as they had only a team of horses and six cows. Together, they built a life.

He borrowed equipment from his mother's farm in Clawson, helping get all the work done there first, then moving it to work his farm in Darby. It would take at least one day to pull it across the valley. Jack purchased his own tractor two years later. The fields were worked with both the horses and the tractor, and all milking was done by hand.

The following January their second son Robert (Bob) was born. Again they lived in a two room home. It was small but cozy. They had many guests and played a lot of Pinochle. It may have only been two rooms, but it was always filled with love.

Their daughter (Jackie) and son (Kim) were also born while living in this home. They moved to the "house that Jack built" in 1953, where they still reside, and their last two children (Terri & Rod) were born.

When the long Teton Valley winters came, and extra money was needed, he worked in the Potatoes in the lower valley and in the Idaho Falls Sugar factory with friends and neighbors. He also spent several winters harvesting logs from Fox Creek Canyon.

He was part of the group that planed and constructed both the culinary and irrigation water systems of the Darby area. It has continued to be a great asset to Darby homeowners for many years.

Jack enjoyed a variety of interests that included: hunting, fishing, picnicking, and horses. He traveled to Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Washington Coast, the Southern States, New England, and Eastern States, but the place he loves the most was home: Teton Valley. His greatest joy was spending time with family. No grandchild ever questioned that Grandpa loved them.

He has been active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has held positions in the Sunday School, Mutual and Priesthood. He has always attempted to be a good neighbor and friend, from pulling people out of the snow drifts and helping if their gas tank was empty, to assisting with farm work if he saw a neighbor struggling. When kids in need came by his place, they were usually given a job. They were given meals, money, and often a safe bed. Many have remained in contact through the years.

Jack is survived by his loving wife LaVerta, 5 children: Robert (Marcia) Hansen of Idaho Falls, Jackie Hansen of Pocatello, Kim (Gloria) Hansen of Pocatello, Terri (Del) Fullmer of Driggs, and Rod (Christine) Hansen of Idaho Falls/Tallahassee, as well as18 Grandchildren, 45 Great-Grandchildren, and 6 Great-Great-Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dave and Adeline Hansen, 5 siblings: Dave Hansen, Frank Hansen, Lois Hatt, Chloe Bagley, Ona May Gardner, his oldest son: William Hansen, and two great-grand children.

His passing is mourned by many who love him and appreciate all the unselfish loving things he did, and all the wonderful things he taught. Jack, you are finally "home".

Services for Jack are as follows: An evening viewing will be held 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19th at Valley Mortuary, 786 Valley Centre Drive, Driggs. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m., with a viewing prior from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 20th at the Driggs LDS Stake Center, 221 N 100 E. The interment will follow at Cache-Clawson Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family in the "Share a Memory" tab.