His father, Wibert "Bill" E. Hansen, was a banker and started the Trust Department at Peoples Bank. John's older brother, Joe Hansen, was also in the banking industry. Banking seemed to be the direction to go if you were a Hansen.

John's father became ill and after a few years he passed away when John was 23. While coping with this loss, John was able to coordinate and help in the grieving process with his own family.

The passing of his father in 1994 inspired John to go back to college and get a degree in Mortuary Science. He wanted to be able to help families through the difficult time of losing someone they love. John has been serving families locally with funeral service since 1994.

In September of 2005, Hansen Family Funeral & Cremation Services opened. With the support of his wife and family, a better option for funeral service is now available in Green Bay.