Charles E. Hansen

Charles Eugene Hansen was born in Tryon, Oklahoma, August 5, 1939, the second child of Max and Lula (Davis) Hansen. His sister Dolores was 8 years older.

He graduated from Friends University in Wichita, KS in 1960 with a math major and was hired by the government at GSA (General Service Administration) to work with the computers which at that time took up big rooms using punch cards and tape reels.

Charles met his future wife, Thelma Winslow, in college at Friends University. Thelma had already accepted a teaching position in Wichita after graduation. Charles had been hired to work in Kansas City, MO, so they planned their wedding for June 10, 1961 at the Northbranch Friends Church, Northbranch, KS.

In July 1963, Charles was sent to Germany with the army. He was initially trained as a medical corpsman; however, when the army found out he was good at math, they put him in a teaching position where he taught soldiers and helped many of them get their GED.

He was sent back to the States in 1964, and he was stationed at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma until December. Charles returned to GSA in February, and their first daughter, Fonda was born in March 1965. They moved into the current home in Leawood, KS in December 1966. Two other children arrived also, a son, Galen, in May 1967 and a 2nd daughter, Lynette in March 1970.

Charles and Thelma were members of Willow Creek Friends Church and were very actively involved. Charles was on stewards committee and did a lot of maintenance, repair and work projects around the church with the other men. Additionally, he served as treasurer for over 35 years. During a time of pastoral change, he and others also filled the pulpit Sunday mornings as needed. Charles demonstrated his Christian faith through service - both in his local church, the Yearly Meeting and at Camp Quaker Haven.

His life was greatly impacted in 1985 when the doctor diagnosed Thelma with cancer. This was a big challenge for them as they dealt with the feelings, surgeries and daily realities until her death in January 1989. His faith and the prayers of many family and friends carried him through this time.

Charles retired from GSA in 1994. He spent time with family and friends, and he eventually met and married Kay Aubuchon Kraus on October 16, 1994 at Willow Creek Friends Church in Kansas City, MO. Married for almost 32 years, they have enjoyed family, friends, fishing and traveling. He introduced Kay to his calling of supporting and working at Camp Quaker Haven getting camp ready for the campers until recently when his health started to decline. Kay lovingly took on the challenge of his care and this allowed him to stay in his home until the end.

Charles was a Godly man who was quiet about his faith but lived it in his everyday life. He was an easy, comfortable friend and a man of good character who could be trusted to always be truthful.

Charles passed into eternity on August 3, 2026. We have the assurance that he is with the Lord, and we will see him again one day.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his sister and his first wife Thelma.

Remaining to celebrate his life and memory are – his wife Kay, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as other family and friends.

A memorial service will be held September 5, 2026, 11 am, at Willow Creek Friends Church, Kansas City, MO. A graveside service and inurnment will be in Northbranch Friends Cemetery, Northbranch, KS on September 12, 1pm.

(The Willow Creek Service will be livestreamed; available at

https://www.youtube.com/live/C-RHyvmRSVo?is=6qid7p2bUnEF5ff6 )

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Camp Quaker Haven in memory of Charles via Campquakerhaven.org