Fred W. Hanssen, 92, of Sparta, died Thursday, September 18, 2008 at Lakeview Health Center Nursing Home, West Salem. He was born on August 28, 1916 in Dunn County, North Dakota to John and Amelia (Steffen) Hanssen. He grew up in North Dakota and worked on the family farm.

     He married Doris Jepson on April 25, 1941 in Dickinson, ND at St. John’s Lutheran Church. He worked for Benick’s Coal Mine in Dickinson, ND operating heavy equipment. They then moved to Sparta where he worked at Webster Lumber in Bangor for over 10 years until he retired. He became a resident at Lakeview Health Center Nursing Home on May 29, 2008. He enjoyed feeding his birds and squirrels, woodworking, and volunteering at the church.

     He is survived by his wife, Doris of Sparta; his children, Jeanette Rogers of Idaho Falls, ID, Roger (Phyllis) Hanssen of Dayton, OH, Roland (Lupita) Hanssen of Virginia Beach, VA, Robert Hanssen of Sparta, and Ellen (Kenneth) Peters of Sparta; 12 grandchildren; many great and great-great grandchildren; three brothers, Clarence and Henry Hanssen of Dickinson, ND and Louis Hanssen of California.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Clara and Catherine; a brother, Peter; and a grandson, Terry.

     Memorial services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Ev Lutheran Church, Sparta, with Reverend Mark Wessel officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Ev Lutheran Cemetery, Sparta.

     Family and friends are invited to call at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.