Jerry Hansche, 72, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan Medical Center on Sunday, July 24, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was born in Racine on June 2,1944, son of the late Theron Jorgen and Marceille Tertia (nee Christensen) Hansche.

Jerry was educated in the schools of Racine. He had been employed by SC Johnson for over 36 years, starting in Maintenance in August of 1969 and working his way to Staff Technologist when he retired in August 2006. Jerry earned an HVAC certification from MSOE, belonged to the National Fluid Power Society, the International Maintenance Institute, and Little John's Archer Club. He also served on the Mount Pleasant Fire and Rescue Squad for several years as a paid on call fireman and EMT. Some of his other jobs included Twin Disc and Rolling Hills Lawn & Garden. He had a passion to "tinker" and a great knack for working with mechanical things. He loved gadgets, and always tried to "improve them". He could fix anything we broke. He had a natural way with animals, especially cats and squirrels!!!

On May 29, 1965, he was united in marriage to Constance L Hansche (nee Hathaway). His greatest enjoyment came from being with his family, especially his grandchildren who called him Grandpa Hoser and Old Chap. He instilled in his children and grandchildren the value of hard work, and passed on a number of sayings and infamous one-liners that can't be repeated.

Surviving are his loving and devoted wife, Connie; their children, Jerry Theron (Joy) Hansche II of Kansasville, James Jon (Cheryl) Hansche of Mount Pleasant, and Jennifer Leigh Hansche of Mount Pleasant; his grandchildren Alexander James "AJ", Erin Grace "Sparky", Jonathan Michael (Kayla Krueger), Bryce Theron "B" (Jenna Ayala), Maguire James "G", Theron Kane "TK", and Thor Dane "Thorval"; and brother, Tim Jorgen Hansche, of Nashville, TN. His nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends further survive him.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his sisters, Marie Hillyer and Ellie Robsel, and his beloved Edsel.

Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday July 28, 2016, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a service immediately following. Burial will take place on Friday, July 29, 2016, 11:00AM, at West Lawn Memorial Park.  Please meet along the pond at the gates of the cemetery just prior to 11:00am. The family has suggested memorials to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

A very special thanks to everyone at Hospice Alliance and Wheaton's 3rd floor nursing staff, Dr. Engel, Dr. John, and Dr. Turner, for the loving attention that was provided to Jerry and his family while under their care. Your professionalism, skill and kindness are truly appreciated.