Charlotte Hansen, 87, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2019, at her home in Evanston, IL, surrounded by her four children. She was born on March 2, 1931, on Washington Island, WI, to Charles O. and Clara (Kuchenbecker) Hansen.  On June 6, 1953, on the Island, Charlotte married Theodore G. (Ted) Hansen.  They were happily married for 63 years.

Charlotte grew up on Washington Island and graduated from Washington Island High School in 1948.  After high school she moved to Chicago and worked at St. Vincent’s Maternity Hospital.  She enjoyed working with women and infants and made several lifelong friends.

In 1953 Charlotte married her childhood sweetheart Ted Hansen, who was by then the proprietor of The Fish Keg, at 2233 W. Howard St., in Chicago.  She worked alongside Ted there for over 40 years.  During that time, she balanced work with her role at home as her family grew to include four children.  They settled in nearby Skokie, and Charlotte immersed herself in school activities, an active role at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Women’s Circle, Sunday School, Altar Guild), and cheering at countless Little League games, speed skating and track meets, plays, and every other event in which her kids participated.  She was a great bowler, notched several 700 series, and bowled in tournaments.  The family followed the White Sox and the Islanders faithfully. Summers were spent driving back and forth to the Island, where in 1964 she and Ted proudly purchased Evergreen Farm, her childhood home, from her mother, Clara.

In 1994 Charlotte and Ted retired and moved permanently to Washington Island.  They proudly renovated the farmhouse and immersed themselves in community life once again. Charlotte served in many capacities at Trinity Church, Women’s Club, Legion Auxiliary, The Farm Museum, and the Island Archives.  She renewed old friendships and found many new ones, enjoying card games and get-togethers of all kinds.  As her children married, she cherished her role as grandma and eventually great-grandma and loved that the farm again thrived as the center of all things family.

Charlotte and Ted eventually returned to Evanston, IL, within close reach of their children and their families.  They returned as well to St. Paul’s Church, and in 2018, with great pride, she sold the Fish Keg to her daughter, Mary, and her husband, Monty, who had managed the store for many years. By selling it to them, Charlotte assured that the Keg remains an active part of the Hansen legacy.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Clara; her husband, Ted; and her siblings, Luella, Vernette, and Mary.  She is survived by her children, Christi (Edward) Sheehy, Mary Beth (Monty) Williamson, Tad (Sheila), and Hans (Anjana); her grandchildren, Rose Widmann, Charles Sheehy, Audrey (Ryan Tarbell), Thor (Rosana Santana), Theo and Clara Williamson, Josie, Mads and Peder Hansen; her great-grandchildren, Arlo Widmann, Eleanor Williamson and Brynja Tarbell; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

No one who has known this remarkable woman will forget her intelligence, her sharp sense of humor, her kindness and her generosity.  A visit with Charlotte always meant warmth and laughter, good food, and looking forward to the next time together.  She left us with the faith that there will be another.

Visitation, Saturday, February 9, 2019, from 10 a.m. until time of Memorial Service, 11 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1763 Town Line Rd., Washington Island. Immediately afterwards, the family will be greeting friends and relatives at a luncheon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 1763 Town Line Rd., Washington Island, WI, 54246, or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1004 Greenwood St., Evanston, IL, 60201.

Funeral information:  847.673.6111 or www.habenfuneral.com to sign guestbook.