Hubert L. Hansel, 96, of Coldwater passed away peacefully at home Saturday, July 12, 2025, lovingly surrounded by his family.
A private graveside service was held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater.
Arrangements were entrusted to Dutcher Funeral Home.
Hubert, known to many as Hugh or Coach, was born February 10, 1929 in Mendon, OH to William and Mabel (Black) Hansel. He lived a full and purpose-driven life. He served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War.
March 3, 1951 he married Phyllis I. Harman, and together they shared 62 wonderful years before her passing in 2013.
After his military service, Hugh attended Taylor University, where he captained the football team and graduated in 1958. He later earned a master’s degree from Western Michigan University and dedicated his career to education.
He taught and coached football at both Quincy High School and Coldwater Middle School, before serving as a counselor at the Coldwater Career Center from its opening in 1971 until his retirement.
Hugh was a lifelong learner and a thoughtful man with a deep curiosity. He lived his life prioritizing faith to His Lord Jesus Christ, family and friends.
A voracious reader and spirited conversationalist, he never shied away from a good debate and was often ahead of his time in his thinking. He valued connection, had a love of history, and believed in living simply with intention and care.
His absence is profound, and he will be deeply missed.
He and Phyllis loved traveling together, always eager to learn and connect. At home, Hugh found peace in nature and enjoyed spending time outdoors on his property.
He drew spiritual strength over the years from both Lockwood Community Church and, more recently, Bethel Gilead Church.
He is survived by his daughters Cindy Hansel Carroll, Patty Hansel (Kevin) Moore, and Rhonda Hansel (John) Santi; his siblings Richard Hansel and Janice Miehls; his grandchildren Travis (Nicole) Carroll, Brayden Carroll, Dillon Moore, and Lauren Moore; and his great-grandson Theo Carroll. In addition to Phyllis, he was preceded in death by his siblings Miriam, Paul, Roger, June, George, and Claude.
As Hugh often said at the end of a good meal, “I’m pulling a Hank Snow.” This time, he’s truly moved on, reunited at last with his beloved Phyllis.
Memorials may be directed to the Meals on Wheels program through the Branch County Commission on Aging.
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