John Hahner

1939 - 2014

Hahner, John P.

John P. Hahner, Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Saturday, August 9,2014, at the age of 74, after a courageous 13 year journey with Alzheimer's disease, at Arborview Memory Unit with his wife, Elaine and family by his side.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday August 13, 2014 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church (750 10th Avenue South) in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Sahayanathan Nathan will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 PM Tuesday at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids and at church Wednesday from 10:00 - 11:00 AM. A Knights of Columbus Rosary service will be held at 6:30 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at ritchayfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers memorials will be established at a later date.

John was born Oct. 26,1939, in Wisconsin Rapids to Maynard and Agnes (Morrissey) Hahner. He attended Saints Peter and Paul grade school and graduated from Assumption High School in 1957. He attended the College of Saint Thomas, and UW Stevens Point. John was a National Guard member achieving highest rank of 1st Lieutenant. He was a fourth degree Member of the Knights of Columbus.

In his early years John's interests included road rallies, car racing, snow ski jumping with the Tri Norse Ski Club and water ski jumping on the Aqua-Skiers team. He was a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow in the Boy Scouts of America.

John married Elaine Brockman, October 8,1964 at Saint John's the Baptist Catholic Church in Marshfield. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. They were active in the Our Lady Queen of Heaven community including CCD coordinators and choir members.

John worked at Consolidated Papers as a journeyman mill-right, retiring in 2000 as Maintenance Planner and Supervisor at the Kraft Division. He is admired by those he worked with for his dedication, fairness and loyalty to his company and coworkers.

The Hahners established Willow Moor Farm and were instrumental in introducing many youth and families to the horse world. As his family became involved in horses John's activities included 4-H leader, officer of Tri City Riding Club, Wisconsin Pony of America Club as well as a State & National Inspector for the POA Association. He readily suited up as the "blue dude" or as a bubble bee to participate in the lead-line events. He drove, many miles, cross country to state, regional, national and world competition. As the proud Dad and Papa he was often found carrying tack, saddling, grooming, coaching, video taping, and cheering outside the arena.

John is survived by his wife Elaine Hahner, daughters Gina (Thad) Herman of Wisconsin Rapids and Sara Beth Hahner of Sun Prairie. Grandchildren Whitney (Stephen) Hughes, Anna Jarvis, Ethan Elkins, Mikel and Mallory Herman.

Brothers James (Janice) Hahner and Steven Hahner both of Wisconsin Rapids, sisters in law Carol Peterson, Emma Brockman, Lois (John) Kastern, Brothers in law, Bill (Sue) Brockman and Jonathan (Kim)Brockman.

John is preceded in death by his parents, father and mother in law Leonard and Bernice Brockman, brother William Hahner, and brothers in law Father Vaughn Brockman, Bradley Brockman, and Myron Brockman.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Riverview Hospital and Ministry Health Hospice Care. Special appreciation to Arbor View Memory Unit for their dedication and care over the last two and a half years .