Hans Christian Sell, 86, of 1610 Highland Drive, died Sunday, July 15, 2007, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City.

A private family service will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be a Celebration of Life Service at a later date for the public. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the individual's choice of charity.

Hans Christian Sell was born March 20, 1921, in Hamburg, Germany, the son of Hans Christian and Mina (Borchert) Sell. Hans was united in marriage to Ingeborg Jaschinowski on April 22, 1943, in Pforzheim, Germany. To this union two daughters were born. In April of 1952, Hans and Inge immigrated to the United States. He worked for the Clear Lake Bakery, later taking ownership until 1987. Hans owned the Waterfront from 1987 until the time of his retirement in 1997. He sponsored the Butt'r Topp Softball Team for 20 years. After retirement Hans and Inge enjoyed wintering in Marco Island, Fla.

Hans enjoyed his rose garden and regular coffee group at the Backyard Deli. He loved sports, being an avid Hawkeye, Braves, and Cubs fan. Hans was a member of the American Rose Society and the Iowa Fast Pitch Hall of Fame.

Hans is survived by his wife, Inge Sell, Clear Lake; daughters, Antje (Juergen) Hahn, Hamburg, Germany, and Evelyn Sell, Clear Lake; granddaughter, Stefanie Hahn, Wichita, Kansas; sister, Anne Herrmann, Hamburg, Germany, special friend Louis Schuler, Clear Lake, "third daughter" Pam Brager, Naples, Fla., along with many friends.

His parents and two sisters preceded him in death.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.