James F. Hannasch

James Frank Hannasch was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota on January 21, 1926. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rose Ellen (Stapleton), who lived to age 97 (1897-1994), and Theodore Anthony Hannasch (1898-1978), and his brothers Joseph T. (1921-2009), and Edward Clinton (1929-2014).

Jim is survived by his wife Patricia Ann (Hennessey) and children Deborah, Dianne (Allen), Michael (Mary Jo), and Joanne (Rob), and grandchildren Chelsea, Ashley, Madeline, Amanda, Justin and Jake and great grandson, William.

As his father’s job often required moving, Jim attended different Catholic schools for most of his grade school years, including schools in Saint Paul, Duluth and Northfield. 

He graduated in 1943 from St. Paul Mechanic Arts High School, fourth highest in his class, and earned a “letter” in gymnastics.

During World War II, he joined the Army Air Corps serving for two years, and at war’s end, he was in pre-flight training in Texas. Afterwards, he attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1948 with a BA degree.

Jim was married in 1955 to Patricia and enjoyed a very long, and happy marriage. Jim pursued a marketing career, working at an advertising agency and later at a major Minneapolis bank, where he rose to head the marketing services department. Later he joined a large Minneapolis Savings and Loan and retired in 1990 as Vice President and Director of Marketing. One of his most memorable marketing events involved bringing opera singer Luciano Pavarotti to the Met Center in Bloomington in April, 1987, to perform to a sold-out stadium. He worked after retirement as a marketing consultant for a southern Minnesota savings and loan.

Jim’s hobbies were golf and travel, including visiting five continents. He was an avid football fan and attended two Super Bowls.

 Jim loved the Minnesota State Fair. He started a sno cone concession there in 1947 and with Pat, he operated the stands for over 60 years.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Thursday, August 1 at the Church of St. Raphael, 7301 Bass Lake Rd, Crystal, with visitation one hour prior to Mass.  Interment Gethsemane Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Church of St. Raphael.