William E. Hansch's Obituary
William E. Â"BillÂ" HanschBill was born August 7, 1924 in Castle Rock, Washington. The family moved to Tacoma when Bill was fairly young and he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1942. After graduating from Lincoln he attended Pacific Lutheran University. Shortly after high school Bill joined the U.S. Coast Guard. On June 26, 1945, Bill married Betty Thompson and they have been partners for some 58 years. Bill joined Heidleberg Brewery in Tacoma, and spent 45 years in the brewery business, retiring as General Manager. Bill was involved in many civic organizations. He was a member and Past President and Past Secretary Treasurer of the Master Brewers Association, Past Jaycee Vice President where he was awarded the Young Man of the Year Award, Past Board member Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, Past President Eastside Boys & Girls Club, where he was awarded the Bronze Keystone Award, Past member of the Daffodil Festival and current member of Tacoma Rotary # 8. Bill spent a great deal of his life involved with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His 40 year involvement included Tacoma Exalted Ruler # 174, District Deputy to the Grand Exalted Ruler, Past State President, Grand Lodge Advisor Puget Sound District, Grand Lodge Public Relations Chairman, and Grand Lodge Leading Knight. Bill was also a District Ritual Winner. Family was a core value in BillÂ's life. The picnics and volleyball games at the familyÂ's beach house in Victor was a highlight for Bill. Bill, along with Betty was a visionary, always looking forward and beyond his daily job at the brewery. Bill and Betty through their hard work have left a legacy for their family which was one of their goals.Bill is survived by his wife Betty, children Billie Olsen & husband Bill of Washougal, Michael Hansch of Gig Harbor, Edward Hansch of Gig Harbor, sister Mrs. Dorothy Barefield of Bellevue, step-mother Inez Hansch, grandchildren Dan Olsen, Jeff Olsen, Camille Wade, Nick Hansch, Greg Hansch, Eddie Hansch, and Evan Hansch, great-grandchildren Cody, Riley, Grant, & Wyatt Olsen, and nephews.In lieu of flowers donations to Elk Therapy for Children or Tacoma Rotary # 8 Foundation.Memorial service will be held at Tacoma Elks at 2:30 pm on Friday, June 6, 2003.
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