Russell John Hanssens passed away peacefully with his loved ones surrounding him on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at the age of 73. Russ was born on February 29, 1952.

Born to Russell Hanssens and adopted by Cleo Hanssens. He is preceded in death by his father, Russell Joseph Hanssens; mother, Cleo Jane (McCullough) Hanssens; sister, Vera Yvette (Hanssens) Decker; and wife, Patricia Ann (Reynolds) Hanssens; and survived by his sister, Valerie (Hanssens) Kreilick; daughter, Heather (Hanssens) Harris; son-in-law, Marc Harris; and granddaughter, Meghan Harris.

Russ never met a stranger - he made friends with everyone he met and maintained lifelong friendships with a number of coworkers and neighbors. He took care of everyone as if they were his own family. He was a man known for his incredible kindness and unwavering support for everyone who knew him – well, scratch that, he only needed to know YOU. He was a natural, silent benefactor, always giving selflessly of himself. Russ was always there with a listening ear and a helping hand, touching countless lives with his warmth and generosity. He will be deeply missed by family and friends, and all who had the privilege of crossing his path. Russ lived to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary with his beautiful bride.

With a career as a brilliant machinist, Russ had the honor of working for companies like DVA, McCulloch Chainsaws, Northrop Grumman, Ride & Show, Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, Haliburton, and Jadtis. He retired from Jadtis in 2019 to play, take care of his wife, Pat, and cheer on his friends and family. Working as a jig and fixture builder and tool and die maker, he was honored to have worked on projects like the B-2 Bomber, Foose Coupe (Hemisphere), the Great Bronze Doors (Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels), and countless other projects.

Russ was a lover of classic cars and was the proud owner of some stunners! He was a fan of collecting things – pedal cars, Hot Wheels, Barbies, Stoplights, you name it. His favorite things in life were his family, a cold Budweiser, and a comfortable chair in the sunshine. The Hanssens families were early arrivers to Lake Havasu City, AZ, in 1974 – the home of the London Bridge.

Although the Hanssens all left Lake Havasu over the years, they all wished to return to Lake Havasu as their final resting place. Lake Havasu held a special place in Russ's heart as he purchased his first home, learned to be a husband and a father, excelled at work, learned new trades, and became a member of the Relics and Rods Car Club.

In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that those who wish will make a donation in his name to one of the following foundations, or help a friend, even better, a stranger, or drink a cold Budweiser in his honor:

Toys for Tots

Sunshine Foundation (kids with cancer get rides in hot cars)