Nebraska Autobody Association
Hall of Fame

Edward William Hansen

Ed Hansen was the first child of Laura and Axel Hansen. He was born June 1924 in Lyons, Nebraska. His Sisters, Irene and Joann, followed later. The Hansen's subsequently moved to Irvington, just north of Omaha, and purchased a farm. Being the oldest son, Ed worked on this farm with his father. Ed worked at various jobs with local farmers after graduating, but by then W.W. II had started and when he was eligible, Ed joined the Navy. Ed served three and one half years in the Navy as a radioman on a PBY amphibious plane. Ed received an Air Medal while serving in the Navy.

After being discharged from the Navy, Ed returned to Omaha, married, and had two children, Scott and Claudia. Ed eventually worked as a body shop manager for several car dealerships in Lincoln. He then obtained a job with MCI ( Motors Insurance Corporation, a division of General Motors). He was an auto damage appraiser with them for a number of years, traveling throughout the state of Nebraska. Approximately 1974, Ed went to work for American Family Insurance in Omaha as an auto damage claims supervisor. Ed always kept involved with the Nebraska Autobody Association during his years with American Family. Ed recognized the value of working with shops and he was ahead of his time with his famous "coffee and doughnut seminars."

Ed retired from American Family in 1989. He met his current wife, Nancy, at American Family who was(and is) an adjuster there.

Today, Ed is enjoying life. He keeps busy with his staind glass projects and checking out various new restaurants near his home. He is a voracious reader; checking out large print books six and seven times from the library. He absolutely loves hearing from his old "auto body buddies" and keeps abreast of the goings on at American Family. A place where he loved to work.

Inducted March 31, 2001

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