Frederick J. Hansing, DDS
Dr. Frederick Jaeger Hansing, 99, passed away peacefully on November 4th, 2023, after a brief illness, with his beloved wife Pat at his side.
How does one write an obituary that captures the spirit and essence of a man who was bigger than life: dedicated son, doting father and grandfather, loving husband, faithful friend and hunting buddy, a legend. Everyone wanted to be Fred’s friend and he had many, from the staff at the local breakfast restaurant on Sunday mornings to lifelong friendships forged in his youth. His sense of humor knew no equal and the twinkle in his eye was fare warning when a playful prank was about to ensue.
Born August 7, 1924 in North Hollywood, CA to Frederick Edward Hansing and Elsie Christine Jaeger Hansing, Fred lived his young life as an only child in North Hollywood. In 1942, he graduated from North Hollywood High School and went on to serve in World War II from 1943 to 1946 as a Private First Class.
After the war, Fred went to junior college and then attended and graduated in 1953 from the University of Southern California. He was accepted into the USC School of Dentistry where he graduated in the top three of his class and started a practice in conjunction with two other classmates and a dental school professor. His first dental office was on the corner of Yucca and Vine in Hollywood, across the street from Capitol Records. He taught at the dental school for over 25 years and practiced dentistry until he retired at the age of 80.
Fred’s love for the outdoors translated to his hobbies. A certified ski instructor, he took his love for skiing to the next level. Fred only stopped skiing in his mid 80’s due to a bad knee. He was an avid hunter and fly fisherman taking a number of international fishing trips in search of that one elusive trophy trout. Tennis and golf were also favorite activities and Fred’s latest round of golf took place when he was 98.
Fred was married to the love of his life, Patricia Priest Hansing for 43 years. Pat likes to say that she is a 9.7 on the Richter scale and he was barely a hum and together they complemented each other and made a perfect couple. Although Fred had connections to the Sun Valley, ID area for many years, he and Pat made the permanent move from Southern California to Hailey, ID in 1985. Living there for over 15 years and after building a home and living in Hagerman, ID for six years, they settled in Eagle, ID in 2006 and have remained there since.
Fred is survived by wife Pat and also son and his wife, Dr. Frederick Christopher Hansing of Moorpark, CA and Brittany Finn Hansing. He is also survived by stepson, Pierce Andrew Jensen of Eagle, ID and stepson, the Honorable Lance Priest Jensen of Tustin, CA and his wife, Ann Moore Jensen, and grandchildren Ashley Jensen, Elizabeth Jensen and William Jensen.
Fred loved life and life loved Fred. He will be missed by family and friends alike and leaves a large hole in many hearts. At 99, there are no regrets for a life well lived and a fullness not many are lucky enough to achieve. And as Fred has said many, many times, “Blessings upon your head.”
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, December 1, 2023, at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr. in Garden City. A private committal will be held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Tunnels to Towers:” https://t2t.org/ or “Folds of Honors:” https://foldsofhonor.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsfSO5LTGggMVixStBh1b9AjgEAAYASAAEgJaC_D_BwE
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.