Last updated on: January 31, 2025
David Letterman is the man who had a long run in television and late-night talk shows. A lot of people know his mother, Dorothy Mengering, as she was always on his show. However, not many know about Dorothy’s second husband, Hans Mengering, who happens to be David’s stepfather. Let’s get to know Hans and life with the Mengering family a little better.
Quick Facts About Hans Mengering
| Full Name | Hans Mengering |
| Birthdate | N/A |
| Occupation | Retired engineer, World War II veteran |
| Husband/Wife | Married Dorothy Mengering in 1983 |
| Education | N/A |
| Age | N/A |
| Parents | Not Known |
| Grandson | Harry Joseph Letterman |
| Children | Did not have children; was stepfather to Dorothy’s three children: David Letterman, Gretchen Letterman, Janice Letterman |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life and Career
Hans Mengering was born in the early 20th century. He was a World War II veteran, who served his country with honor. After serving in the military, he became an engineer. He did not like to speak much about his career, so little is known about the details. However, being an engineer was a big part of his life before he retired.
Marriage to Dorothy Mengering
In 1983, Hans married Dorothy Marie Mengering, also known as “Dave’s Mom.” Dorothy had been married once before to Harry Joseph “Joe” Letterman, David’s father, whom she married and bore three children for. Joe died in 1973. Dorothy married Hans after becoming a widow.
Hans and Dorothy were an extremely loving couple. Hans may not have been as well-known as Dorothy or David, but he was always there for his family. He played a quiet but very important role in their lives. The marriage of Hans and Dorothy brought another dimension to the family story that David would often relate to his listeners during his late-night show.
Hans’s Role in the Family
Though Hans was not such a regular fixture on TV like his wife, he did pop up here and there on David Letterman’s show. Dorothy became famous on the show and made people smile with her presence. She was warm, funny, and everyone loved her. Hans stood behind her during all these special moments.
David Letterman often joked about his family on the show, and his mom was a fan favorite. While David’s humor made his mother the star, Hans played a quieter role behind the scenes. He supported Dorothy and their family, showing the importance of love and care in a family, even if you’re not the one in the spotlight.
A Quiet Life
He didn’t pursue fame like his wife and step-son. His life was relatively quiet, retired, and he spent it with Dorothy and the family. Not as famous as his wife or step-son, he played a vital role in Dorothy’s life, thus in David’s life too. Their life together was simple, full of love and support.
While Hans didn’t make many public appearances, those who knew him saw him as a kind and caring man. His presence in the Mengering family helped make their bond even stronger. He never wanted the attention that Dorothy and David received, but his role was always important.
READ ALSO: David Letterman Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Hans’s Death and Legacy
Sadly, Hans Mengering died on March 12, 2013. He was 90 years old. He died many years before Dorothy died in 2017. While Hans is not as famous as some members of his family, he is loved and respected. His marriage to Dorothy gave the Mengering family a depth of support.
Hans is remembered as a man with quiet strength who was a great husband and an excellent stepfather. Even though he did not seek to be in the spotlight, he left his presence behind. The Mengering family especially Dorothy, always appreciated Hans for all the love and support that he brought along.
Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com
