Jack Lambert Hansen

Jack Lambert Hansen, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away on August 15, 2026, in his childhood home in Grand Island, Nebraska, after a brief battle with cancer.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island, NE, with Derek Apfel officiating. Interment will follow the service at the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, August 20, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with family present at Apfel Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to GRACE Foundation in Grand Island, NE or The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Services will be live streamed and can be found below on the day of the service. 

Jack was born March 11, 1966, to Jack and Janice Hansen. Family was always at the center of Jack’s life. He was the kind of person who would do anything for the people he cared about and was always asking others what he could do for them. Whether it was a phone call to check in, asking about someone’s family, or simply taking the time to talk, Jack genuinely cared about the people in his life.

Jack began working for the Associated Press on January 29, 2001, where he worked as an Information Technology Technician. He took great pride in his work and spent more than 25 years with the Associated Press.

Anyone who knew Jack knew about his love for the New York Yankees. He was a devoted Yankees fan and had a special love for New York City and Yankee Stadium. Some of his favorite childhood memories were when the family would pile into a crowded van for long vacations to the West Coast and make summer trips to Kansas City to visit Worlds of Fun and watch the Kansas City Royals — especially when his beloved Yankees came to town.

Jack also enjoyed golf, Husker football, gaming, and, most of all, spending time with his family and friends.

The Fourth of July held a special place in Jack’s heart. Growing up, the Fourth was always a big event for the Hansen family, made even more special when extended family traveled from Colorado to celebrate together. Those gatherings became a treasured family tradition filled with relatives, laughter, and, of course, fireworks. Jack carried that tradition with him throughout his life and loved putting together his own fireworks displays. He didn't settle for simply lighting a few fireworks in the driveway. Jack created his own display using an electronic ignition system, turning the Fourth of July into an event his family and friends could look forward to year after year.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Christine Hansen. 

He is survived by his brother, Eric Hansen and his wife, Vicki; his sister, Katrina Rainforth and her husband, Doug; and his brother, Kirk Hansen and his wife, Tanya. He is also survived by his niece, Cheyanne and his nephews: Christian, Isaiah, and Dakota. 

In honor of Jack and one of the things he loved most, the family encourages those attending his services to wear New York Yankees colors - or, better yet, a Yankees jersey.