Search

Obituaries

Walter was born March 17, 1937, in Stuttgart, Germany to Emma (Seyfert) and Fritz Hahn. His life’s journey came to an end on January 28th, 2024, as a result of a years’ long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

As a young man, Walter studied to be a mechanic, earning a master mechanic certificate from Porsche in Germany. Seeking adventure, he secured a job in Thun, Switzerland, where he lived for five years. Craving more adventure, applied for a job at a German auto dealer in Kenya in the mid-1960s. Due to civil war there, his plans changed. He arranged a job at a dealership in Flint, Michigan with the help of a friend, planning to spend a year experiencing America. In 1985, he became a proud US citizen. Many will remember him as the owner of Hahn’s Service Center in Ann Arbor. He never lost his love of his native country. He and his wife, Linda, made many trips to Germany, as well as many trips to his beloved DeTour Village, Michigan.

Walt happily served many years as secretary of the Schwaben Verein in Ann Arbor. He was also an avid fan of Michigan Football and German Soccer. He thwarted Linda’s requests to get internet in the home in the ‘90s until she mentioned she could get reports of the Stuttgart Kicker’s games minutes after they ended. He was also a very spiritual man and spent time reading religious themed books. He converted to Catholicism at the age of 52.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, his son, Michael Hahn of Adrian, his son, Christopher (Cathy) Hahn of Cheboygan, his two granddaughters, Christina and Gabriella Hahn of Cheboygan, a stepson, Christopher (Melody) Montgomery, as well his beloved Labradors, Abby and Mandy.

Special thanks to Katie Garvey and Lisa Klinkman and the staff at the Ease the Day program and Chat to Heal program.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 2nd, 11 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Chelsea, the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner presiding, with visitation at the church from 10 - 11 a.m. that morning. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to St. Mary Church, Chelsea or to the Ease the Day Program at the Chelsea Senior Center for the benefit of dementia patients and their caregivers.

Click here to watch the video of Walter's funeral Mass 


You may use the form below to share a memory or leave a public message for Walt's family. Please allow 24 hours for us to review and post your comment.

Comments  

#8 Cynthia Silveri 2024-02-04 12:58
Linda, I heard that Walter had passed away at mass this morning. I’m sorry to have missed his funeral. Thinking of you and your family as you grieve his passing. Prayers and hugs.
Quote
#7 Leslie White 2024-02-02 08:20
So sorry to hear of your family's loss of Walt, Linda. Flip always enjoyed spending time with him during their months together in the Ease the Day program. I know that the Lord has now restored him fully, and I pray that that knowledge brings some comfort to your family as you grieve his physical loss. Sending hugs and prayers.
Quote
#6 Wendy Rutter 2024-02-01 09:31
I can imagine the carryings on in heaven. Lots of beer and betting and talking football (European football). You know Tim will be there to great him. Walter was a lovely and kind man. You an Angel as a caregiver. He will be dearly missed.

Much love,

Wendy
Quote
#5 Charlotte Wyche 2024-01-31 15:50
Walt was a friend in the Ease the Day program at Chelsea Senior Center. He and I always had a “thing” talking about how I loved the shirts he would wear. I’ll miss taking walks with Walk when he got tired of waiting around and needed to move around a bit.
Quote
#4 Susan Keezer 2024-01-31 11:19
Sadly, Alzheimer's Disease means the loved one begins to disappear long before his physical demise. It is a cruel process and I am so sorry this took Walt from his family. Please know my prayers are with you at this time. Love to you, Linda.
Quote
#3 Nicolas Haroney 2024-01-30 16:17
I remember Walt as being a steadfast and unwavering foundation of our church. He was the type of apostle with whom great comfort came from only eye contact. I have learned much from his presence at St. Mary. I still hear him singing in his native language at Christmas. Rest in peace my friend, and may God comfort his family.
Quote
#2 Barbara Baldwin 2024-01-30 14:45
Walt was a very sweet man. My condolences to Linda, and the family.
Quote
#1 Elaine Briggs 2024-01-30 10:35
So sorry for your loss. May his memories surround you.
Quote

Add comment

Security code
Refresh