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BAHNSEN -- Allan Henry Bahnsen, 84, a resident of Rio Rancho, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 of lung cancer. Allan was born April 7, 1924 the son of Henry and Louise Schmidtke Bahnsen in Chicago, Illinois and was raised with three sisters; Ethel, Gladys (Sis), and Dolores (Babe). Al spent three years of active service in the United States Army, serving in the 8th Armored Division during World War II. When they were not fighting, he played tenor saxophone in a company dance band. After the service, he attended the University of Illinois on the GI bill and continued playing saxophone in a dance band while earning a bachelor's degree in sales and marketing in only 2 years. At the University of Illinois, he met the love of his life, Joanne Alitis, at a freshman dance. They married after Al graduated, and last January 29th they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. While raising a family of five children in the Chicago suburbs, Al and Joanne balanced work and childrearing with many other interests, including performing with an amateur theater group, the Markham Village Players. He earned numerous awards during his career selling life insurance. Al retired to Rio Rancho in 1990, where he pursued his love of golf, playing regularly with Gilligan's Gaggle and making a Hole-in-One four times. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved sisters. Al is survived by his wife, Joanne; sons, Steve, Jeff and wife Lynda, and Chuck; daughters, Barb Lange and husband Bob, and Marcia Swallow and fiance Rick Duke; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. A favorite uncle and the patriarch of the family for many years; he also leaves behind many fond nieces and nephews. Heartfelt thanks are given to sister-in-law, Barbara and George Hecox, and to the rest of our extended family, to the caregivers from Sol Amor Hospice, and Sandia Springs Senior Living Community, and to the many friends and neighbors who supported and encouraged us over the last several months. A Memorial Service for Al will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Daniels Family Funeral Services, Sara Rd. at Meadowlark Ln., Rio Rancho with Chaplain Richard Garcia of Sol Amor Hospice officiating. In lieu of flowers, it has been suggested that donations to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, or the Alzheimer's Association would be greatly appreciated. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124 (505) 892-9920
        Published on: Thu March 05, 2009