Harry Jacob Hansel, age 91, of Hastings, MN, reunited with his beloved wife and Heavenly family January 19, 2021. Born at home on January 10, 1930 in Carrollton, MO, Harry was the youngest of seven children born to William and Sophia (Kase) Hansel. Motherless at age 9, his life on the farm included more work than play. Despite college aspirations after high school, his father expected him to stay home and continue farming. Harry did, by himself, until the Great Flood of 1951 destroyed his immediate livelihood and gave him the opportunity to join the Coast Guard. He wed Doris L. Struck, from a neighboring farm, March 16, 1952. After the Service, Harry, Doris, and their daughter Kristy eventually moved to Hastings in 1955, where he became one of the earliest employees at the newly-built “Big Oil Factory” – his nickname for the now Flint Hills Refinery. In Hastings, Harry and Doris had three more daughters. Family meant everything to Harry, and he worked tirelessly to provide for them. Harry was a highly visible and involved presence everywhere he went. He was proud to have been the local Union recording secretary for 30 of his 37 years at the Refinery. As a 57-year member of the Resurrection UMC, he's most well-known and much loved as the unofficial greeter who remembered your name and made you feel welcome. He was equally well-known in the memory care facility by staff who often commented on his faithful daily visits to see “Prairie Flower”, his nickname for Doris, during her final six years of life there. Assigning nicknames to others, himself, and inanimate objects was his way of being. A math wiz, he rarely missed an opportunity to play cribbage ("crads" as he called it). Also a word puzzle enthusiast, he was never without a pen in case a puzzle crossed his path. Only health issues in later years prevented him from planting and sharing the bounty of an annual vegetable garden. One of his greatest joys remained swinging high on his self-built swing in the backyard, where he could view his home and Doris’ beautiful flower gardens. Harry lived an unpretentious life, always making do with what he had or building what he needed. Loving, reliable, hardworking, dedicated, and absolutely selfless, he’s equally known for his unwavering faith, quick wit, big smile and ready laugh, and generosity with his time and talents to help anyone who needed him. The favorite uncle of many of his nieces and nephews, some remember with fondness sitting on a porch swing and singing with him during his family's Missouri vacations. One-of-a kind, an inspiration to many, humble to the core, and a man who tried to get along with everyone, he was appreciative to have earned the respect of so many people he met in his lifetime. During his final days, he wished he could make one last trip outside to the backyard swing, and worship indoors one last time at the church he faithfully served. We love and will miss him dearly. Our profound loss is Heaven's gain. Harry is survived by his daughters, Kate (John Swanson) Hansel, Julie (John) Niederkorn, Jill (Ken) Shimota; grandchildren, Nicole (Dustin Hummel) and Ashley Niederkorn, Jacob Shimota; in-laws Al and Carolyn West, Naomi Hansel; numerous nieces and nephews; and by many others whose life he touched in a memorable way. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris; daughter, Kristy; brothers, Jules Laverne, Clayton, Glenn, Perry; sisters Dorthea McDaniels, Lucille Flynn. Harry's family is grateful he was able remain in his home the last years of his life, as he was, with the assistance of Baywood Home Care. We also extend our thanks to Allina Hospice for their additional oversight and support during his final week of life. Due to COVID-19, there will be a private family interment at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings, with a Celebration of Life scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donors choice in Harry's name. Please visit the Tribute Store on the Starkson Website. Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings is in charge of the arrangements.