James V. Hansel

James Hansel, 69, of Langdon, ND passed away Thursday, February 11, 2016 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

James Victor was born April 13, 1946 in Langdon, ND to Joseph and Anna Mae Hansel. He grew up in Langdon and graduated from St. Alphonsus in 1964. After high school, James joined a surveying crew in New York and met Karen Butsko. James and Karen were married on June 24, 1967 in Yonkers, New York. They lived there and in upstate New York before moving to Langdon in 1970 where James worked at Sturlaugson’s Oil and then Erling’s Oil driving the fuel truck. James also helped Neil Evans and Randy Evans on their farms and enjoyed coaching Pee Wee and Little League for many years. James retired in July of 2015 from Erling’s Oil.

James loved to fish and hunt. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his grandkids. Starting with his daughter, Jacki, he would take her or his grandkids to the bakery every Saturday morning for “doughnut day”. James was a big supporter of sporting events, even earning the nickname of “stat man” since he seemed to know all the stats. He was very proud to have 29 years of sobriety. James was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church of Langdon.

Surviving James are his wife, Karen, of Langdon; mother Anna Mae Hansel; children: Lisa (Dave) Bakke of Langdon, Jim (Michele) Hansel of Grafton, ND, and Jacki Hansel of Alexander, ND; grandchildren: Brianna, Brooke & Erika Bakke and Easton & Asher Hansel; siblings: Dennis (Drina) Hansel, Paul Hansel, Danny (Pauline) Hansel, Wayne (Debbie) Hansel, Robert (Stephanie) Hansel, Jerry (Denise) Hansel, Mary Lou (Tom) Lorenz, and Patsy (Garold) Vaagen; brother-in-law Ron Lenz; special family friend Linda Hansel; and numerous nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by father Joseph, brother Roger, and sister Shirley Lenz.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Langdon, ND. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. with a 6:30 Rosary and 7:00 prayer service on Monday, February 15, 2016 at Brooks Funeral Home in Langdon. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service time at the church on Tuesday.