Edward Jay Hansen

Edward Jay Hansen, 91, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025.

Jay was born on April 5, 1934, in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, to the late Charles and Erna (Schultz) Hansen.

On January 5, 1957, he married the love of his life, the late Mary Lou (Ayers). Together, they lovingly raised two wonderful children, Timothy and Deborah.

Jay proudly served our country in the United States Air Force. After his military service, he began a career as a sailmaker. In his early years, he worked for Irish Boats, and in 1974 he moved to Traverse City to open his own sail shop. He was known for his relentless work ethic and dedication. Jay would often drive downstate to pick up sails, bring them back north, and help people in any way he could. He was one of the hardest-working men you could ever meet.

He and Mary also opened their hearts and home as foster parents, running a foster care home on Veterans Drive for 10 years.

Jay had a lifelong love of sailing. He participated in numerous Port Huron to Mackinac and Chicago to Mackinac races, sometimes even using his own boat. He was proud to have sailed on some winning teams and truly loved being out on the water.

Even in retirement, Jay never stopped moving. He enjoyed spending time at Francisco's, making coffee, chatting with friends, organizing the paper, and helping out however he could before heading off to tackle his daily to-do list, that was a mile long. He loved mowing the lawn and took great pride in doing it himself well into his 90s.

Jay is survived by his devoted son, Tim (Joan Weatherholt) of Traverse City, son-in-law Greg Alpers, grandchildren Melanie and Gwen.

He is preceded in death by his wife Mary, daughter Deborah, siblings, Gladys, Bernice and Charles.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 15, also at the funeral home, with an additional hour of visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Jay's honor to a charity of your choice.