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Charlie Hahn Obituary
A wake will be held Sunday (1/13/08) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Zoo Bar, 136 N. 14th St., Lincoln
Condolences may be left at www.aspenaftercare.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Charlie Hahn
Seedy Aitch - July 2008
February 10, 2008
Bill Rightsell
February 4, 2008
Sorry for your loss. Charlie was a great guy, had a great time hanging out with him and Mike Whitlow when we were all in Auburn. He will be missed.
Christy Hargesheimer
January 26, 2008
Diane,
I just returned to Lincoln and the sad news of Charlie's passing. My memories of him include jamming at Winfield, playing at the Zoo Bar, and let us not forget Poultrygeist. He certainly helped to liven things up around here, and he will be sorely missed.
My condolences to you and the rest of the family.
Cherie (Trevino) Hester
January 17, 2008
So sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. He will be missed by so many.
Rhea (Reid) McGinn
January 17, 2008
I was sad to hear about Charlie passing away. Being a high school classmate, I too remember Charlie as being funny and unforgetable. We will miss him at future reunions. He always put a smile on all of our faces. I am sorry for your loss.
Anne McKnight
January 16, 2008
Nancy and Bette,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Anne McKnight
Annie NincehelserJohnson
January 16, 2008
Fare thee well, Charlie Hahn. Auburn, Nemaha County, & Nebraska will miss your intelligence, wit, talent,& definitely unique personality. Annie Nincehelser Johnson, Auburn native, now in San Diego CA.
Joe and Maire DIAMOND
January 15, 2008
Anyone who knew Charlie will never forget him. In Ireland we remember his quick wit and sense of fun, his banjo talents, his kindness and generosity with his time and knowledge. What a great charater, God will surely hold Charlie in the palm of his hand. Diane and family, we are thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Bette Knauss
January 14, 2008
I was sorry to learn of Charlies passing. He lived his life as he wanted to live it. Something that most of us dare not do and wish we could.
May you, his family, find comfort and peace from our Lord and Saviour.
Sincerely, Bette Coulter Knauss
Bill Coulter
January 14, 2008
Sorry to hear about Charlies passing. I have alway enjoyed him over the years. He was the some happy person every time I saw him. He will be missed. Classmate, Bill Coulter
Charlie and Buster, Summer 2006 ~ Remembering the good times, John Riddell
January 13, 2008
Arlene Fortune (Irene's cousin)
January 13, 2008
When I think of Charlie, what comes to mind is the Grube reunion when he shared his musical talents with us on the hayrack ride around Johnson. The last time I saw him was when I visited Irene in the hospital in Lincoln. I could feel her wry sense of humor shining through Charlie. His uniqueness will be missed.
Diana Ebirim
January 13, 2008
Charlie was a brilliant rebel and a one-of-a-kind...and that's what we loved about him. He will be missed. The Palmerton family.
Richard Meyer
January 13, 2008
Charlie was my friend and cousin. The fishing we did as kids and the legal advice he gave me as an adult will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Charlie.
Phyllis Bates
January 13, 2008
Diane, Irene, and Family,
Our condolence to each of you. He made family dinners fun. Here's to you, Charlie! Rest in Peace.
Timothy Schrader
January 13, 2008
With deep sympathy
Jeff Schultz
January 13, 2008
Dear family and loved ones of Charlie Hahn:
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. I got to know Charlie at the open stages I ran into him at when I played my guitar there. Charlie was a very talented gentleman who always had kind words to say to me. He was so approachable and open. He was also very talented. Charlie's friendly spirit will be missed at the open mic nights around Lincoln. I know there is a place for him in paradise.
mike guilliatt
January 12, 2008
We will miss our '63 classmate. charlie made the halls of AHS very interesting...life is a dash!
Becky Leonard (Hector)
January 12, 2008
Diane and Aunt Irene and family, I know your loss is great. Charlie was a favorite cousin who always made me laugh and have fun whenever we visited together. I am so happy I was able to see him in November. He is missed.
Michael Steadman
January 12, 2008
Charlie will always be Charlie, not Mr. Hahn but Charlie. If you did not know him, you could never pick him out in a crowd. If you did know him, he would stand out, head and shoulders above the rest. GOD speed Charlie and rest in peace, till I see you in your small office again.
Rita McKnight Hogue
January 12, 2008
Irene, Nancy and Bette, I was so sorry to hear of Charley's death. I always enjoyed him so much. My thoughts are with you.
Larry Boehmer
January 12, 2008
Every minute I spent with Charlie Hahn was enjoyable whether it was part of his unending quest for the ultimate pizza or a shopping trip to our local grocery store to buy "dollar" reading glasses. Knowing Charlie was truly a blessing.
Bill Meinheit
January 12, 2008
Charlie was truly "one of a KIND", a great friend and fellow motorcycle enthusiast. Thanks for the memories Chuck--RIP.
Amy Hector
January 11, 2008
Diane, Irene and Family-
Charlie was such a complex and brilliant man who loved such simple things like fishing on a river bank with friends and walking through his woods on a sunny spring day hunting the illusive mushrooms.
I worked with Charlie for over 25 years and could always count on him for his quick wit and easy going manners. He was the kindest person I've ever had the pleasure to work with. He will be missed greatly.
John Kunkel
January 11, 2008
Diane and Family- I was so sorry to hear about my favorite frailing buddy. He will be missed. Can't make it back for the wake, but will find some cheap beer and toast him to "Cluck old Hen" We met on a roofing crew in 1967, a summer I won't forget, along with many happy adventures over many years. Our prayers are with you during this hard time.
Steve Mannschreck
January 11, 2008
Irene, Diane & family-
Charlie helped us all understand the importance of wit, humor and light-hearted fun. He made confirmation classes at St. Paul Lutheran delightful for his fellow classmates (a sentiment perhaps not shared by our Pastor). I was fortunate to have been in several school plays with Charlie... one in which I played Tom Sawyer & Charlie played Huck Finn... in Charlie's case, this could have been considered type casting. With anything we ever did together, Charlie always made it an enjoyable & memorable experience. The Auburn High School Class of 1963 reunion this fall just won't be the same without Charlie!
Johnathan Thompson
January 11, 2008
Charlie was a great guy, I'm going to miss him!
John, Sue & Alexander Thompson
Steven J. Mercure
January 11, 2008
January 11, 2008
Diane and family -
I am writing to express my sincere condolences at Charlie's passing. His unique personality and friendly nature will be missed by all who made his acquaintance and will also make him one of my all-time favorite barristers. From our being commandeered by Charlie to haul a banjo to "Joe Diamond" in Northern Ireland after 9/11 in a suspicious package with a return sender's name of "Honest Charlie" to orchestrating Judge Maust's retirement entertainment with the "Great Kreskin", he touched all with his humor and friendship. We will surely miss him. Steve Mercure (Tecumseh, NE)
Suzy Bohn
January 11, 2008
Diane,
I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. Charlie, as you know, was one of a kind. We had lots in common and I'll never forget the night at the UN-L College of Law reception with the chocolate and doggie bag.
Charlie and Patti circa early-90's
January 11, 2008
Charlie with granddaughters Carley & Kendyl
January 11, 2008
Don Ballue
January 11, 2008
Heaven just gained a "Great Banjo Picker" and a friend to all. His wit&charm and love of people will be greatly missed.
Annie Thomas
January 11, 2008
What a great guy Charlie was. I have many fond memories of meetings at the 'house and office' on Courthhouse Square. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Annie Thomas, Auburn.
Diane Aurelia Burton
January 11, 2008
Charlie Hahn maestro of the banjo, carp angler extraordinaire, wordsmith, punster, motorcycle buff, frugal beer sipper and one-time lawyer, died Wednesday after a seven-month battle with lung cancer. He was 62.
"To say Charlie was eclectic is an understatement," said longtime friend and fiddle player Dave Fowler. "I don't think the word has yet been created that can sufficiently describe all of this man's knowledge and enthusiasm."
Hahn's taste in music ranged from classical to old-time mountain. In recent years, he enjoyed tediously transcribing show-tunes and classical music for banjo.
Fowler said Hahn had a deep understanding of the American banjo and fiddle tradition, both for the music and for the cultures that created it.
He recently recorded a new score to the classic Warner Brothers cartoon of "The Three Little Pigs," which can be found on YouTube by searching under "banjeauchucque."
Former state Sen. Dave Landis of Lincoln said: "Charlie spoke slow but thought fast, so his words were considered, thoughtful and tinged with wry wit."
Landis said he once lent Hahn his boat to go fishing and "warned him of slight problem" with the vessel beforehand.
"When I got back there was a note: `No fish. Fixed the boat,' " Landis said, "The boat came back better than when I lent it to Charlie."
Hahn could be found most Friday afternoons listening to live music at the Zoo Bar, sporting increasingly-hideous-as-the-years-went-by Hawaiian shirts and drinking less-than-premium beer. "Whatever's on sale," he would say when ordering.
Hahn loved riding and collecting Harley-Davidson and BMW motorcycles.
Former Lancaster County District Judge Bernie McGinn, a law school classmate of Hahn's, recalled that "Charlie rode an old motorcycle to class at UNL College of Law and would lean it up against the wall of the school - which he did not attend frequently."
"He usually wore jeans and a tweed sport coat," McGinn said. "He was smart enough to do well in law school despite his poor attendance."
On motorcycle trips with friends, including McGinn and other attorneys, Hahn delighted in wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with "I HATE LAWYERS"
He was born Charles Daniel Hahn II on Oct. 15, 1945 to Lowell and Irene (Hector) Hahn in Auburn.
He graduated from Auburn High school in 1963 and received his law degree from the University of Nebraska in 1969.
He served as Nemaha County attorney from 1971 to 1982 and from 1997 to 2002, when he retired. He was a private practice attorney from 1982 to 1997.
Survivors include his partner and wife of 24 years, Diane Aurelia Burton; His mother, Irene Hahn, Auburn; a son, wife and granddaughter - Charles D. III (Chad) and Gretchen Hahn and Carley, all of Tucson, Ariz.; stepdaughters, Christine Cockrum, London, Ark.; Patti & Travis Duryea and grandchildren, Kendyl and Preston Duryea; Broken Bow, Neb.
He is also survived by sisters and brothers-in-laws: Elizabeth and Bob Askue, Rockwall, Texas; and Nancy and Brendan Rodgers, Sandpoint Idaho.
Other survivors include a niece, Amy Askue, Houston, Texas; an uncle and aunt, Arnold and Bennie Hector, Colorado Springs, Colo.,; many cousins and legions of friends.
Longtime friend William Kloefkorn, a professor emeritus of English at Nebraska Wesleyan University, said Hahn was "was a study in individualism" who spent some of his happiest days camping and mushroom hunting with friends along the banks of the Loup River.
"Charlie was a dues-paying member of the notorious Loup River Expeditionary Force," Kloefkorn said. "if by dues you mean contribution above and beyond the mundane letting loose of money. He contributed a wry and sometimes cynical sense of humor."
Burton recalled the time when she and Hahn were out for dinner in Auburn when a man he had once prosecuted sent beers to their table.
Burton later asked the man why he would buy a drink for a man who helped send him to prison.
"The guy said, 'Charlie's fair; he always treats you fair, and with respect,' " Burton said.
A wake will be held Sunday (1/13/08) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Zoo Bar, 136 N. 14th St., Lincoln
Memorials to the family for establishing a banjo scholarship program.
Condolences may be left at www.aspenaftercare.com
Melva Grube Schmidt
January 10, 2008
My condolence to the family.
Allan Harms
January 10, 2008
Charlie wrote the "Dingleberry Tales" in high school inspired by our assignment to be reading Chaucer. He was always wry, clever, and a renegade. We'll miss Charlie at future high school class reunions. I'm sorry for your loss, Diane.
Charlie and Diane 2003
January 10, 2008
Charlie playing banjo at an ancient Irish king's grave
January 10, 2008
Charlie playing banjo in old cemertary in England
January 10, 2008
Charlie in Ireland 2000
January 10, 2008
Charlie playing banjo as he so loved to do
January 10, 2008
Lance & Angela Nelson
January 10, 2008
Charlie was the best neighbor anyone could ask for and a great fishing buddy. Diane, our hearts go out to you and your family. If you need us, we'll be here. Rest in peace Charlie, we'll NEVER forget you.
Barb George
January 10, 2008
Charlie was truly a "one in a million" guy! There will never be another. Our sympathy to Diane and the rest of the family...fellow 1963 AHS grad...Barb (Thomas) & John George
Linda Tynon
January 10, 2008
I am thankful for the great times I have had with Charlie, his love of any kind of beer, the stories and yarns he could spin, and all great and entertaining episodes we enjoyed thru the years. A truly unique and wonderful character, he will be greatly missed. A Memorial Mushroom Hunt is in order this spring. Watch for details on the web.
Sam Owen
January 10, 2008
To Diane and Family
Charlie was a great classmate; when he was there. I have a class picture in my office which I frequently look at. I will always cherish our law school memories. Charlie will be missed by many people whose lives he touched.
Sam Owen, UNL Law '69
Nancy Swanson
January 10, 2008
Charlie was a dear friend and past boss of mine. It was an honor to know and work for him. Memories of our years at the Co. Attorney's Office make me smile as I remember how Charlie would handle difficult situations and somehow make a tough job easier. He was a very special person to many and will be greatly missed. My sincere sympathy to his family.
Thomas Brothers
January 10, 2008
The best neighbor a group of rebel kids could ever grow up next to. Charlie taught us everything we weren't suppose to know or do in the 60's. A true "free spirit hero". RIP, friend. Thomas brothers.
Jackie Uhri
January 10, 2008
Thought of sympathy to you, Diane.
Diane Johnson
January 10, 2008
How is Buster doing? I will always remember him for his love for his dogs.
James Cain
January 10, 2008
Please accept my deepest condolences. We will all miss Charlie a great deal. Sincerely, "Jimbo"
Phillip Hahn
January 10, 2008
Bonnie Prince Charlie. My Cousin.
As a boy, you taught me how to modify plastic model cars with a Zippo lighter and an X-acto knife. I never did tell you how I nearly burned down the house taking that technique back home with me. You were the coolest guy I had ever seen, AND you were my cousin.
As a man, you inspired me to: make up what I lacked in musical talent with diligence; flaunt convention; seek out cheap beer; think deeply; and to love the sound of a banjo.
It was a pleasure, an honor and a hoot to be a part of your world. You will always be a part of mine.
I encourage everyone to go to banjeauchucque (mind the spelling) on YouTube; and to go to The Greatful Stones (also mind the spelling) on Sound Click to see and listen to most of Chuck's prodigous and signficant contributions to civilized society.
You are still the coolest guy I have ever seen, Cousin.
Roger Bates
January 10, 2008
With deepest sympathy to all of the family.
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