Peter Hansen

October 18, 1939 - December 5, 2020

Niels Peter Hansen, 81, of Mint Hill, NC, died Saturday, December 5, 2020, at Atrium Health Charlotte. Niels, or Peter as he was more commonly known, was born in Menomonee Falls, WI, on October 18, 1939, the son of Nels and Irene Gehl Hansen. He grew up there and went to Wentworth Military Academy for his secondary education before attending Perdue University. While going to his favorite coffee house in Milwaukee, he met a lovely young lady named Diane Dryfka. They soon dated and were married on May 5, 1962. They lived in Wauwatosa, WI, until moving to Charlotte in 1966. In Milwaukee, Peter worked for Harnischfeger, writing operations manuals for the variety of welding equipment they produced. He then went to work in sales, specializing in the welding equipment division. This change brought Peter and his family to Charlotte. In Charlotte, he went to work for Stoody Industrial and Welding Supply and then some entrepreneurial ventures before retiring. When not working, in his early years, he enjoyed riding motorcycles, especially his Triumph. Later in life, he enjoyed trap shooting and fishing, especially fly fishing. He worked with Jesse Browns as a guide before striking out on his own. Blessed with a talent to use his hands, there was almost nothing he could not do whether welding, engines, working on guns for friends of Charlotte Gun Club or fishing. Most of all, he loved the time spent with family and friends, especially Dave Eggert, Moe Mayo and Tom Rush. Peter’s wit, candor and love will be cherished and missed by all who knew him. Peter is survived by his wife, Diane; a daughter, Katherine (husband Mark) Hayes of Mint Hill, NC; a daughter, Jennifer (wife Mary O’Connor) Hansen of York, SC; and a daughter Rebecca Timberlake of Clemmons, NC. Peter is further survived by six grandchildren: Elliott (wife Annalee), Ethan (fiancé Amanda Hinson), Emma, Eli, Sarah and Sam; great grandchildren: Dylan, Sunny, William and Ruby; a brother, David (Aida) Hansen; a brother, Erik (Nina) Hansen; and numerous other relatives and friends. Peter’s family has given the privilege of caring for him to the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home. No formal services will be held.