Ernie Hahn, 80

Ernest C. Hahn, age 80, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday morning, Nov. 29, 2011, at Borgess Medical center in Kalamazoo.

He was born Nov. 9, 1931, in Sturgis, a son of the late Clarence and Maize (Dunker) Hahn.

Ernie was a lifelong resident of Sturgis. On May 27, 1956, he married Sarah Hildebrand in Colon.

In 1995, he retired from Grumman-Olson in Sturgis following 39 ½ years of dedicated employment. Following his retirement, he had been employed by Parma Tube, also in Sturgis, for 10 years.

Mr. Hahn served his country from 1955-1957 during the Korean War in the U.S. Army.

Ernie was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis. He had several hobbies that he enjoyed, including hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, snow skiing and, for the last 30 years, the annual family hay ride. He had many hobbies and involvements, but what made him happiest was time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 55 years, Sarah; two daughters, Elizabeth (Robert) Bailey of Sturgis and Linda (Chuck) Rheinheimer of New Castle, Ind.; three sons, Timothy (Julia) Hahn of Sturgis, Thomas (Mary) Hahn of Sturgis and James Hahn of Kentwood; six grandchildren, Charles Bailey, Michael Bailey, Matthew Bailey, Noah Hahn, Stephanie Hahn and Melissa Clark; seven great-grandchildren, McKenna Featherstone, Maddison Bailey, Mason Bailey, Morgan Bailey, Micah Sweitzer, Miley Thrams and Damien Bailey; two sisters, Estella Holtz and Cora Studeman, both of Sturgis; two brothers, Earl Hahn and Ray (Melva) Hahn, both of Sturgis; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Roy Hahn and Edward Hahn.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm Friday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Ernest Hahn will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Calvin Kolzow will officiate.

A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis, where full military honors will be conferred by Capt. John J. Kelley Post #1355 and the U.S. Honor Guard.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Hahn’s memory consider Trinity Lutheran Church, 406 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.

His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.