Pastor Harley Hansel

PORTAGE – Pastor Hansel went to be with his Lord on his 91st birthday, January 1, 2019, at Tivoli facilities of Divine Savior Healthcare in Portage Wisconsin. He was born January 1, 1928.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer M. Hansel; his mother, Violet Mabel (King) Hansel Schultz Bushweiler, stepfather Wilbert Schultz; brother, Elmer V. Hansel and Elmer’s wife Phyllis Hansel; sister Norma B Ambrosich and her husband Lavern (“Bud”) Ambrosich, sister-in-law, Karen Schultz (Blount) and a granddaughter Ana Grace Hansel.

Surviving are his wife Betty Ann (Welling) Hansel; daughter Kristi Ann Albano and husband Frank; son Harley W (“Chip”) Hansel with wife Jennifer, his children Jacob Kristian Hansel, Matthew James Hansel, and Zoe Lana Hansel; brother Alvin J. Schultz; brother-in-law James B. Welling (and wife Linda); sister-in-law Jean M. Scharnick (and husband Earl); and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Pastor Hansel spent his early years on farms in and near Wautoma Wisconsin.  Being called to the ministry at an early age, he attended North Central Bible Institute (now North Central University) graduating in 1948.  He had always planned to be a farmer but harvested souls rather than crops. He was licensed in 1948 with the Assemblies of God (A/G). He was then ordained in August of 1951.

Harley married Betty Ann Welling September 3, 1952 in Zion Illinois. They had two children Kristi Ann (June 6, 1957) and Harley Welling (“Chip”) (February 2, 1969).

His ministry began in Viroqua, Wisconsin where he planted a new A/G church. He served as Senior Pastor in St. Ignace, Michigan. He was there when he married and became the team for the remainder of his ministry.

Then, as Senior Pastor at A/G churches in the following:  Portage, Wisconsin; Paynesville, Minnesota; Waukesha, Wisconsin; Clinton, Massachusetts; Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin; Whitehall, Wisconsin; and then at Portage again. He retired the third time at the age of 80.

His whole adult life circled around his love of his calling, especially serving communion and dedicating babies. He was a great leader, restorer, builder, and friend. He has been described as a church “repairman”. One of his greatest pleasures was building, and subsequently visiting at least twice a year, his summer cabin on Spencer Lake near Waupaca, Wisconsin. This was across the lake from the A/G camp which he also enjoyed.

He will be greatly missed by all his family, friends, and former parishioners.  

Viewing will be at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, on Friday, January 11, 2019, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Additional viewing will be at CrossPoint Assembly of God on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 10:00 am, with the funeral beginning at 11:00 am.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.