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
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