April 13, 1931 – January 31, 2026
Lifelong Kenosha resident Richard A. Hansen, 94 years old, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Brookside Care Center, Kenosha, WI. He was born in Kenosha on April 13, 1931, the son of the late Richard and Leonora (Gnekow) Hansen. He married his high school sweetheart, Frances (neé Gallo), on May 5, 1951, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the U. S. Army, where he served as a corporal during the Korean War. After attending the University of Wisconsin-Extension, he worked as a journeyman carpenter and construction superintendent for Holger Pahl Construction, State Construction, and others until his retirement in 1993. He was a proud member of the Carpenters Local Union 161 and worked on many landmark projects around Kenosha.
An avid antique car restorer, he was a member of the Model A Restorers Club and the Model A Ford Club of America, for which his 1929 Model A Sport Coupe won first place in their 1982 national competition. Known as “The Carb Guy,” he rebuilt Model A carburetors sent by mail from restorers around the country. He also restored a 1942 Chevrolet Fleetline Aero, which was identical to the car he and Frances drove to Miami on their honeymoon.
Survivors include daughter Kathleen Hansen (Albert Tims), son William (Diane) Hansen, grandson Thomas (Stefanie) Hansen, granddaughter Carolyn (Daniel) Jones, great-grandson Cal Hansen, one sister-in-law, and several nieces and nephews and their families.
In addition to his parents and his wife of 69 years, Richard was preceded in death by one sister, seven brothers and sisters-in-law, one nephew, and one niece.
Services to honor Richard and Frances (who passed away during the COVID lockdown) are planned for March 14, 2026. Visitation at 10:00 at Proko Funeral Home, followed by interment with military honors in Green Ridge Cemetery, Kenosha, WI.
The family thanks the staff of Brookside Care Center and the Kenosha Hospice Alliance for their compassionate care during Richard’s final journey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd., Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158, in his memory.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Richard, please visit our Tree Store.
Events
Visitation
Saturday, March 14, 2026
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Proko Funeral Home & Crematory
5111-60th Street, KENOSHA, WI 53144
Graveside Service with Military Honors
Saturday, March 14, 2026
11:30 am
Green Ridge Cemetery
6604-7th Avenue KENOSHA, WI 53143
Officiant: Rev. Matt Cyr
Interment
Saturday, March 14, 2026
11:30 am
Green Ridge Cemetery
6604-7th Avenue KENOSHA, WI 53143
