James R. Hansen

James R. Hansen, 89, of Gurnee, Illinois, formerly of Rice Lake, WI, Waukegan, IL, and Haines City, FL, passed away on January 11, 2026, in Libertyville, IL.

Jim was born November 14, 1936, in Zion, IL, the son of James M. and Minnie M. (McElroy) Hansen. He graduated from Waukegan High School Class of 1955. Shortly after, he joined and served in the U.S. Marine Corp. from 1955-1961. On January 19, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Sally M. Wasil, at the First Baptist Church in Waukegan, IL. They enjoyed 47 years together before Sally’s passing in 2004.

Jim worked as an engineer/outboard mechanic for OMC. After moving to Rice Lake, WI in 1969, Jim spent many years working for the Farmer’s Union Coop as a fuel truck driver, fertilizer truck driver and manager of the local Cenex Convenience Store. From the 1940’s through the 1980’s Jim also helped at his family's resort, Hansen's East Shore Resort, in Birchwood, WI.

Jim later married his second wife, Donna R. Strauss, on August 1, 2014, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Gurnee, IL.

His entire life Jim loved road trips and traveled to all fifty states, often saying that he had traveled corner to corner. Jim also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Donna Hansen; children, Robert (Sheri) Hansen, Sherry (Jeffrey) Jerry, and Patricia (Paul) Hubler; grandchildren, Alyssa (Joel) Nace, Robert (Pamela) Hansen, Elizabeth (Jared) Mauck, Linda (Jeffrey) Wollberg, Christopher (Kristina) Jerry, Kimberly (John) Tredinnick, Carrie (Jesse) Rodman, and Stephanie (Nathan) Malovrh; great-grandchildren, Conner, Julia, Kensey, Carver, Abigail, Emily, Alexandrea, Maximus, Riley, Easton, Allison, David, Liam, and Olivia; daughter-in-law Gail (Hansen) Molzahn; and granddaughter-in-law Stacie Hansen.

Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Sally Hansen; sons, Michael Hansen, and Jon Hansen; grandson Brian Hansen; brother, Henry Hansen; and parents, James and Minnie Hansen.

A prayer service will be held at the American Legion Post in Gurnee, 749 Milwaukee Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031 on April 18, 2026 at 11:45 a.m. with a celebration of life to follow until 2:00 p.m. A private interment will be held at Oakdale Cemetery.