John Lyle Hansen

John Lyle Hansen, 77, of Polson, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011 at his home in Polson.

John was born on March 13, 1934 in Great Falls, the son of Marion and Elsa Soderstrom Hansen. He was a graduate of Great Falls High School and later went on to graduate from the University of Montana with a Bachelor’s Degree in education.

In 1957, John married the love of his life, Patricia Firth, in Bellevue, Wash. and together raised three children.

He was a retired captain for the Montana Air National Guard and a member of the Airforce Reserve, serving for 16 proud years. This service led him in a career as a pilot with Northwest Airlines. John was also a teacher for two years at Roosevelt Grade School and another two years at East Junior High.

Some of his greatest joys included contributing to the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, flying airplanes, skiing, spending time with his family, hunting and fishing.

Besides his parents, John is preceded in death by a son, Eric Alan Hansen, age 14 months and a grandson, Tim “TJ” Philio, age 20.

Survivors include his wife, Pat; a daughter, Heidi Philio; two sons, David John Hansen, and Paul Daniel Hansen; four sisters, Mary Ann Iodence, Karen Jean Pannage, and Georgia Lee (GG) Forney, and Alda Mae Hewes; and seven dear grandchildren.

A memorial service was on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, 2 p.m. at JourneyBe, 101 7th Ave. W., Polson. Military honors will follow the service. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Hansen’s family.