Greg Hanninen
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On May 15, 2021 @ 2:07 pm In 2021,Obituaries | 65 Comments
Greg Hanninen, age 69, of Shakopee, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on Friday, May 14, 2021, at St. Mary’s Clinic, in Rochester, MN.
A time of gathering will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 starting at 9:30 AM, with a celebration of life service at 11:00 AM, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant Street SE) in Prior Lake, MN. Guests may also join the celebration of life, by clicking on the following link: Greg Hanninen Funeral Service (Meeting ID: 975 8519 8201 / Passcode: 240460). Pastor Diana Hunstad will preside.
The world became brighter the day Gregory Lee was born on December 30, 1951, in Minneapolis, MN. He was the oldest of three children born to Arnold and Betty (Uchner) Hanninen. Greg grew up most of his life in Burnsville, MN, with his brother Gary and sister, Sandy. From early on, Greg was the leader of the pack and the dare devil! He was happiest going fast, experiencing life, and even finding a bit of mischief at times. Greg never sat idle, he could be found go carting down the steepest hill, climbing the tallest trees, working on engines, or playing hide and seek with the local police, while drag racing.
Graduating from Burnsville High School in 1970, Greg attended Cardinal Stritch University earning a bachelor’s degree in business and management. Taking this knowledge, he spent most of his 30 plus year career with ADC Telecommunications (now Commscope). Greg excelled at his job as a senior engineer. He designed models to manufacture parts for the government and companies all over the world. Greg traveled many times aboard solving problems for the company.
Life was the richest being a dad and husband. Greg loved being a father to Ryan, Jon, and Emily. He was an active dad and was so proud of them. Greg loved attending their sporting games and school activities. He welcomed any chance to share his love for the outdoors with them. On March 12th, 2008, life was blessed once again for Greg when he married Terry Fritsvold. With open arms, Greg’s family grew to include her children, Randy, Ryan, and Ashley.
Through the years, Greg and his family enjoyed many adventures at the cabin in Garrison, MN. They loved lake life of swimming, fishing, and bon fires. Greg and Terry enjoyed attending concerts, dancing, and listening to music. Avid Minnesota Viking fans, they were season ticket holders for many years. He enjoyed having deep conversations on all genre of music, rock, pop, country, etc.
Greg was a ‘motorhead.’ He loved muscle cars and motorcycles. Greg spent countless hours tinkering on engines. He especially was proud of his first car, a 1969 Mustang 428 and his last, the Shelby Mustang. Greg even took his love of speed and street raced, in his earlier years. He enjoyed reading the newspaper from front to back. Greg has always had a special love for animals. As a young boy, he raised pigeons and mourning doves. Later, the focus was on dogs and cats and an occasional bird. In Greg’s spare time, he enjoyed bird hunting and was even quite talented as a carpenter too.
Gregory Lee Hanninen was white collar guy with blue collar grit. He was a math whiz and extremely proud of his Finnish heritage. Greg was hardworking, dedicated, and loyal. He had this approachable and calming personality and instantly you were his friend. Greg was kind, generous and loving. A jokester, he had a great sense of humor and enjoyed life to the fullest.
The legacy of Greg will live on in those who will love and miss him forever, wife, Terry; children, Ryan Hanninen, Jon (Julia) Hanninen. Emily Hanninen, Randy (Jade) Mahlen, Ryan (Jenna) Mahlen, Ashley (Matt Fox) Mahlen; grandchildren, Levi; Hollie, Harrison, Henry; Arley, Mazie; mother, Betty Hanninen; siblings, Gary Hanninen, Sandy (Raymond) Lawver; niece, Natalie Johnson; lifelong friend Barry Smith; many other relatives and friends. Greeting Greg home in Heaven is his father, Arnold and nephew, Hunter Johnson.
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Hi Jim,
Thank you for sharing this memory and commenting.
His daughter,
Emily
So sorry to hear about Greg’s passing. He was such a nice guy & will be greatly missed.
Hi Dean and Cherlyn,
Thank you for taking the time to comment. It’s appreciated.
His daughter,
Emily
I am very sorry for your loss. I’ve known Greg going back to his second round at ADC in the late 2000’s; I didn’t work with him directly very often but as the years went on we would end up running into each other in the halls of the office and walk together.
Hi Tony,
Thank you for commenting and sharing this memory.
His daughter,
Emily
I send my condolences to Greg’s family and friends. I have worked with Greg ever since the ADC days. Greg was always a pleasure to talk to. He was kind and always had a smile on his face, a good man. 🙂
Hi Michael,
Thank you for commenting and for your condolences. He did love to smile.
His daughter,
Emily
So sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. He was a pleasure to work with over the many years at ADC, TE and CommScope. Prayers to all of his family during this difficult time.
Hi Shannon,
Thank you for commenting and for your condolences. It’s so nice to hear from all of these people at his work and that he touched many peoples lives.
His daughter,
Emily
Rest in Peace friend Greg,
We will remember him as a great person, cheerful and kind, always ready to help us.
May his great moments of joy help overcome the sadness of no longer having him.
Rest in peace!
Hi Ruben,
Thank you for commenting and for sharing your memories of him.
His daughter,
Emily
Hola, my name is Erika Uriostegui from Mexico. I used to work in many projects with Greg Hanninen.
I want to express my condolences to his family, he was a great partner but more than that a wonderful human been.
He was always willing to help and teach everyone who approach’s him.
I hope that God sends prompt resignation to your hearts.
Erika U.
Hola Erika,
Thank you for taking the time to comment and for your condolences. My Dad used to tell me about his projects in Mexico and it’s nice to hear from one of his work partners from there.
His daughter,
Emily
Dear family of Greg. I had the pleasure of working with Greg for about 2.5 years. I knew him enough to know he was THE politest of men, always had a kind word and time for you if you had questions or just to exchange a quick story or pleasantries in the break room.
He knew his job well and always brought a kind professionalism with him. I really liked Greg and am so saddened by the news. My heart goes out to his family and just know that he will be missed.
Hi Stacy,
Thank you for the taking the time to comment with your memory of my Dad and your condolences.
Emily
I offer my heartfelt condolences to Greg’s your family. May Greg’s soul be at peace with our Heavenly Father. His Friends in Juarez Mexico will miss his support and friendship showed during all these years working with with him. Muchas Gracias Greg your gentle soul will always be in our hearts. -C.Arroyo
Hola Carlos,
Muchas Gracias for taking the time to comment your memories of my Dad. It’s appreciated.
Emily
So sorry to read this, I worked with Greg for many years at ADC, TE and CommScope. He was always such a nice guy. He will truly be missed.
Hi Paul,
Thank you for commenting your memory of my Dad. It’s so nice to see how many people’s lives he touched, even while at work.
Thank you,
Emily
My condolences to Greg’s family. I worked with Greg at ADC for many years. He was a great person and am sad to hear of his passing.
Hi Mike,
Thank you for commenting and sharing your condolences.
His daughter,
Emily
Our deepest sympathy to Greg’s family, so very sad to hear of Gregs passing. We feel so bad that we didn’t keep in contact, after many years of dinner get togethers. Greg was kind, genuine and had a great personality, I never knew when he was serious or joking. Rest In Peace Greg, your family and friends will miss you but you will be in a good place with other great people.
Hi Kathleen and Dave,
I hope you are both doing well as well as the kids (even though we’re all grown now lol)! Thank you for sharing your memories of my Dad and I know he enjoyed his time he spent with you both.
Emily
My condolences to the Hanninen Family!! Greg was a great person to work with and will be missed 🙁
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your condolences, they are appreciated.
his daughter,
Emily
Greg was a great guy and we loved to hear his jokes, stories and laughter in the office. He will be missed!! Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Hi Karie,
Thank you for sharing that memory of my Dad and the thoughts and prayers. It’s so nice to hear stories from people he worked with and how he touched many lives, even at work.
Thank you,
Emily
I’m so sorry for your loss. I worked with Greg for many years at ADC, TE & CommScope. Greg was such a great guy & very nice to work with. He will be missed very much. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Hi Mandy,
Thank you for you condolences and for your comment. We will miss him very much.
His Daughter,
Emily
Greg was a great person to work with and be around. He was always willing to help and very quick to laugh and smile. He will be missed.
Hi Mary,
Thank you for commenting your memory of my Dad. It’s nice to hear he touched many lives.
Thank you,
Emily
I’m very sorry about your loss. I met Greg in Mexico back on 1986. He was a very positive person and with a very good sense of humor. I had so much fun working with him and I also learned a lot. We’re going to miss him very much. Our thought and prayers are with the whole family. RIP our dear friend/co-worker Greg..
Hi Jesus,
Thank you for taking the time to comment and the thoughts and prayers. My Dad used to share his stories of his projects with his friends in Mexico.
Thank you,
Emily
We’re very sorry for your loss. Greg was always such a generous, happy soul. He will be greatly missed.
Hi Mia and Perry,
Thank you for taking the time to comment and for the condolences. We will miss him very much.
His Daughter,
Emily
I met Greg in 1982 working at ADC. We had such a great team, that worked together, and hung out together. Had many good team building times at Toland’s cabin, and other establishments. I still regret having to leave early and missing the truck pulling contest in one of those establishments. An ADC legend (wink). May God bless your soul, and say Hi to Ernie for me.
Hi Randy,
Thank you for your memory, it made me smile. It’s so nice to hear these stories about my Dad. He truly loved his job and his work.
Thank you,
Emily
My deepest condolences to the Hanninen Family
So many great memories, Greg was one of the original Northview neighborhood gang.
I loved the mention of the pigeons.
The empty lot next to Petersons!
Jeff just recently mentioned the pigeons.
It’s been years since I have seen Greg but this wonderful eulogy makes it known, he lived a full life and with kindness.
Take Good Care and Cherish the Memories
Julie “Butler” Faulkner
Hi Julie,
Thank you for commenting your memory of my Dad and for the condolences. He loved birds, we also had birds when I was younger. He told us about the pigeons too.
Thank you,
Emily
Greg and I were neighborhood buddies ,Jr. High and High School buddies. We graduated together in 1970 as Burnsville Braves.
We knew each other from living a couple blocks away but one day on the way home we got in an argument on the bus “ meet me in my garage Butler, let’s have this out”
After punching away for awhile, I got a black eye and it was over. After that we came good buddies and we both raised pigeons together and talked car stuff.
I haven’t seen Greg in many years and wish him Godspeed to where he his going next. Rest In Peace Buddy
Jeff Butler
Northview Neighborhood Group
Hi Jeff,
Thank you for taking the time to comment your memories of my Dad. They are nice to hear. He told us about his pigeons and he did love cars.
Thank you,
Emily
My deepest condolences for the family on your loss of Greg. I loved working with him for the many years at ADC, he was so passionate about his work and shard a wealth of knowledge with I and all that worked with him. He truly understood what it meant to work as a team, he never laid blame to anyone for mistakes but focused only on working together solutions. He was always so kind and had an smile that made it a so enjoyable to work with him. I pray for the family God’s love and peace during this difficult time.
Hi Tom,
Thank you for taking the time to comment and for your condolences. It’s so nice to hear all of these memories and moments that other people shared with my Dad at work. He truly loved his job.
Thank you,
Emily
I worked with Greg in Shakopee at ADC he was fun and funny at times. Greg was such a great help on the factory floor to all of us. Good sense of humor and always friendly. Just a all around great guy. I sorry to hear of his passing. RIP Greg you will be missed.
Hi Bonnie,
Thank you for the comment and your memories of my Dad. It’s so nice to hear all of these memories of my Dad at work, he truly loved his job.
Thank you,
Emily
My deepest condolences to the family. I was very fortunate to work with Greg at ADC and Commscope since the 90’s. His deep dedication to his craft and to his co workers was always evident. He was a great teacher and someone you always wanted to be around. His kindness, dedication and humor were always there and he will be missed
Hi Scott,
Thank you for commenting and for the condolences. He truly did love his job and never planned on retiring. He told me “why would I retire when I love what I do?”. It’s nice to hear that he touched many lives.
His Daughter,
Emily
I was very surprised to hear when Greg passed. He went through so much in the last couple years. I would go talk to Greg about projects but also about how he was doing. I got to learn about his personal life through the years. He was such a nice guy and spoke of his family, cabin, cars, and bowling often. I will miss being able to go over and just say hi and see how it’s going.
Great guy, I pray for the family and that God will give you comfort in these difficult times.
Hi Dennis,
Thank you for commenting your memories of my Dad and your condolences. He loved work and truly enjoyed his time at ADC/CommScope. It’s nice to hear all of these memories from his work friends.
Thank you,
Emily
Deepest sympathy to the Hanninen families in Greg’s passing.
I worked at ADC for 8.5 years, and have good memories
of Greg while working there. He will be missed.
Hi Lou,
Thank you for commenting, it’s nice to hear he touched many lives.
His Daughter,
Emily
Greg was a great man! He always was cheerful and friendly to everyone. He was very dedicated to Terry and his kids/grandkids! He brought lots of happiness into all their lives. He was FULL OF LIFE! Thank you for being part of our family! He will be missed!
Hi Sherri!
Thank you for commenting, my Dad loved Terry and her kids and grandkids. We will all miss him very much.
Love,
Emily
I’m so very sorry about Greg’s passing. What a fight he made these last few years. I enjoyed working with him, he was always so cheerful and happy. Prayers of peace to his family.
Hi Delores,
Thank you for commenting. He did give a good fight and he always had a smile on his face.
His Daughter,
Emily
My deepest condolences to the family of Greg. I worked with Greg over the years.. He was a great guy and helped me and taught me a lot. We were both lovers of Mustangs, his way nicer than mine :0)!
Rest easy Greg you will be missed!
Hi John,
Thank you for commenting and your condolences. He loved his Shelby and cars! It’s nice to hear that he touched many people’s lives.
His Daughter,
Emily
So sorry for your loss Ryan It is so hard to lose a parent and yours was still young . Prayers and may God comfort you .Jenna and your family in this difficult time Sending love
Greg, was a great Colleague always ready to help. Always a smile and friendly face around the office. He will be greatly missed. So sorry for your loss.
Hi Paula,
Thank you for commenting and for your condolences.
His Daughter,
Emily
I’m so sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. I do want to extend my most sincere condolences to the Hanninen family.
I had the true privilege and honor to work with Greg for over 15 years at ADC. He always had such a calm and unflappable demeanor and everyone he worked with truly appreciated and respected him.
I most enjoyed his subtle sense of humor and his willingness to have a good hearty laugh at himself.
Greg Hanninen was truly a good man. I know that he will always be missed and remembered by his ADC family.
Hi Tom,
Thank you for taking the time to comment your memory of my Dad and your condolences. It’s so nice to hear from all of his colleagues at work and how he was always smiling and his sense of humor was at work too. He truly loved his job.
Thank you,
Emily
I worked with and for Greg at ADC for twenty years. One of the finest people I have ever had the pleasure to know in my life! Rest in Jesus’s arms Greg.
Until we meet in heaven.
Pat Mulcahy
I knew Greg and worked with him at Doyle’s Texaco in Burnsville, crica 1970, when he bought his 1969 Green 428 Super Cobra Jet Mustang. He was very proud of that car. He was a very nice person and we had many hours of conversation when working together when times were slow at the gas station.
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I worked with Greg for 30 years. He was a joy to work with and was always quick with a smile. He will be missed greatly. Sorry for your loss.