Obituary of Kevin Hansen

Kevin M. Hansen, age 33, of Homewood, IL and formerly of Joliet, passed away suddenly Saturday, April 11, 2015, after a valiant and courageous seven day battle with acute myelocytic leukemia. Kevin was born in Joliet on June 18, 1981. He was a 1999 graduate of Joliet Catholic Academy where he was the Valedictorian and Man of the Year of the Class of 1999. He attended University of Notre Dame, graduating in 2003 Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Pre-professional Science Studies and as a member of the Order of the Coif. He continued his studies at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island, graduating in 2005 with a Masters degree in Education, as well as during the 2003-2005 school years teaching biology and chemistry at St. Peter Marian Catholic High School in Worcester, MA. He entered the seminary at Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri in July 2005, graduating in May 2007 with a Masters degree in Theology. He began his eight years at Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago in August 2007, teaching theology and also doing multiple assignments including football equipment manager for the state championship Mt. Carmel football program, student service coordinator, after school prefect and scoreboard operator at the home basketball games. Each year, Kevin supervised the Mt. Carmel students on a trip to Washington, DC for the annual March for Life. Kevin was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Homewood. Beloved son of Michael and Beth (Shankland) Hansen; loving brother of Eric, Andrew (Rachel) and Mary Catherine Hansen; proud uncle and Godfather of Anthony John Hansen; and dearest grandson of Mary Shankland and Cecilia Hansen. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles Thomas (Sheila) Hansen, Betsy Hansen, Mary (David) Lawson, Christine (Rodney) Springer, Ann (Robert) Hatfield, Susan (Robert) Flavin, John Shankland, Sarah (Frank) Turk, Thomas (Joan) Shankland, William (Tina) Shankland and Joseph (Elaine) Shankland. Numerous cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his paternal Grandfather, William W. Hansen, and maternal Grandfather, Jack T. Shankland. His family is grateful to everyone for their prayers and requests that you keep praying for Kevin's soul. A special appreciation is also extended to Presence St. Joseph Medical Center and to the doctors and ICU nurses for their superb care and compassion who put every effort into attempting to keep Kevin alive. In the end, his strong heart and fighting spirit had endured enough. Kevin's love of Jesus and His Church, living the commandments and his work ethic, attitude and integrity were the cornerstones of his life. He lived what he believed. He was truly a good and faithful servant. His love for his mother and his unwavering commitment to Pro-Life beliefs were very true. His love for and his guidance to his little sister "Shrinny" were extraordinary. Kevin especially looked forward to being with his father and his brothers Eric and Andrew for sporting events and golf games. They were the perfect foursome. Funeral services for Kevin M. Hansen will be held on Thursday April 16, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3202 Black Road (at Essington Road) Joliet, to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Ave., where Fr. Tony Mazurkiewicz, O.Carm., President of Mt. Carmel High School, will concelebrate the Mass of Christian Burial which will begin at 11:00am. Interment to follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. A luncheon to which everyone is invited will follow the burial. Visitation Wednesday, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The rosary will be recited by Fr. Burke Masters at 8:00 p.m. Please, no flowers requested. The family would appreciate Masses for Kevin's soul, as St. Monica said to her son St. Augustine: "Bury my body wherever you will; let not care of it cause you any concern. One thing only I ask you, that you remember me at the Altar of the Lord wherever you may be." Memorials to the Kevin M. Hansen Scholarship Fund at Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago, IL would also be very much welcomed.