Earl Norman Hansen

Earl Norman Hansen, 99, of Niles, died peacefully, Friday, March 13, 2026. His life began January 14, 1927 in Stanton, Michigan the third of three born to Harold and Jessie Hansen.

Earl graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1945. He then went on to serve his country in the Army Air Corp. during World War II. Shortly after, he married Audrey Leiting on September 4, 1949. Earl worked for Kawneer for nine years and then went on to work for National Standard for over thirty years before retiring. He was a member of Berrien Center Bible Church where he was involved as a board member and head usher. Earl and Audrey volunteered their time at the Berrien County Youth Fair, both at the gates and in the Grandstands for over sixty years.

Earl will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by one daughter, Diane K. (Dr. James) Grannell of Niles; one son, Kirk W. (Debra) Hansen of Niles; four grandchildren, Dr. Justin (Alicia) Grannell, Josh (Marissa) Grannell, Jami Grannell, Jenna Grannell; six great grandchildren, Peyton, Connor, Jade, Jaren, Vivian, Jovi Grannell and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-four years, Audrey Hansen; one daughter, Dawn Hansen; one sister Viola Rudowske of Watkinsville, Georgia and one brother, Maurice Hansen of Berrien Center.

Family and friends will gather Monday, March 23, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles and one hour prior to his service on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Berrien Center Bible Church, 8830 M-140 Berrien Center, Michigan 49102.

Earl will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Audrey in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Earl be made to Berrien Center Bible Church 8830 M-140 Berrien Center, Michigan 49102 or the Berrien County Youth Fair 9122 US-Highway 31 Box 7 Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.