Hans Frederick Bell of Pinedale, Wyo., passed away peacefully on Aug. 2, 2023, in Exton, Penn., at the age of 89.
Hans leaves to mourn his children Hildy, Elsa (Greg), and Hans (Melissa); and grandchildren Elizabeth, Elyse, Katie, Kiara, Rhiannon, Robert, and Sarah. Hans was predeceased by his wife, Margaret (Hack) and his parents, George and Anneliese Bell. Hans was born in Chicago, Ill., and attended Calumet High School, where he was valedictorian. He earned a scholarship to University of Illinois, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. As an outstanding engineering student, Hans earned the Wiley Award, which afforded him the opportunity to travel the country to study highway engineering, shaping his perspective throughout his professional life.
Hans’ career spanned engineering roles with the Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Chicago, and Sargent & Lundy Engineers. He was particularly proud of his work as Project Engineer for the Halsted Street Interchange on the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago. In the power industry, Hans was the lead cost estimator for numerous nuclear power stations throughout the country.
In 1964, Hans married the love of his life, Margaret, and together they raised their family in the home he personally designed and constructed in Matteson, Ill. In retirement, they moved to Pinedale, Wyo. where he applied his passion for engineering into the construction of their ranch. Together, Margaret and Hans traveled extensively throughout the United States particularly enjoying the National Park System.
Hans had a passion for “serious music,” particularly Wagnerian operas. He was staunchly conservative, a vocal champion for low taxation and limited government, and known for engaging elected officials and others with long letters and challenging conversations. He was a conservationist and planted hundreds of trees in Illinois, Indiana, and Wyoming. Hans will be remembered for the care of his family and his extensive support of many charitable and political causes.
The family would like to thank the staff at Eagleview Landing, the congregation of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church an,d his many friends in Pinedale, Wyo., for their care, compassion, and friendship.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 148, Pinedale, Wyoming 82941.
