Daniel Walter Hahn

Mr. Daniel Walter Hahn, 90, of Ft. Myers, Florida, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2016 with family members by his side. Born December 16, 1925 in Parma, Ohio, Dan was the son of Clarence Hahn and Mary Joreski Hahn. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Linda Hahn.

A former resident of Cleveland and Lima, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; Cincinnati, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Jackson, Tennessee; and Ft. Myers Beach, Florida; Dan was an adventurous person who lived a long, full, and varied life.

A true representative member of "the greatest generation,” he was a Private First Class in the U.S. Army, and a Member of the 303rd Infantry Regiment, 97 Infantry Division from March, 1944 to May, 1946. He was Awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal for wounds received and exemplary conduct performed in ground combat while serving in the European and Pacific/Asian Theaters of WWII, including the Battle of the Bulge.

After his service, Dan studied to be an electrical engineer, and enjoyed a long career in management and technology with the Ford Motor Company. He was a certified master electrician, taught drafting at night school, owned a printing business, and later became a licensed realtor and broker in the state of Florida.

An engineer by trade, he understood how things work and had an amazing ability to design, build, and restore, which combined with a strong work ethic allowed him to accomplish a great deal during his life. He had an avid interest in mechanics and electronics. In his younger years he was an audiophile who built speakers, amplifiers, and other audio components and had a wide-ranging record collection. He was also an automobile enthusiast who collected and restored vintage Ford Mustangs. He was a hardworking, can-do person who designed and built a house from the ground up after he retired from Ford Motors. He was generous with his time and talents, and used his construction skills to help maintain facilities for the Monastery of St. Clare, a religious community in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida.

Dan enjoyed family and leisure time as well, including boating, fishing, and golf. He loved his family and especially adored his grandchildren. After retirement in 2000, he purchased and renovated a Ft. Myers Beach property on Gulf Beach Road with his wife, Linda Hahn. As owners and proprietors of The SeaHorse, they entertained family, friends, and guests and shared their love of the Florida lifestyle for many years before moving to a house nearer family in Ft. Myers. One of Dan’s favorite sayings was “Just another day in paradise." He was also a faithful Catholic Christian, so we trust that he is now enjoying the eternal Paradise.

Daniel was preceded in death by wife Marilyn Gallagher Hahn, and is survived by their children: daughter Christine Hahn Fisher and her husband Dr. J. Edward Fisher Jr. of Braddock Heights, Maryland; daughter Karen Hahn of Los Angeles, California; son Daniel Hahn and his wife Susan Hahn of Bellingham, Washington; and daughter Susan Slovinski of Lansing, Michigan.

He is survived by former wife Judith Woeste Hahn and their children: daughter Colleen Pearson and husband Geoff Pearson of Mason, Ohio; son Timothy Hahn and wife Ami Hahn of Honolulu, Hawaii; son Peter Hahn and wife Lora Hahn of Jackson, Tennessee; daughter Maria Dannenhauer and husband Mike Dannenhauer of Ft. Myers, Florida; son Brian Hahn and wife April Hahn of Ft. Myers, Florida; and Michael Hahn of Ft. Myers, Florida.

He is also survived by son-in-law, Doug Swafford and wife Kris Swafford of Huntingdon, Tennessee.

In addition, Dan is survived by 35 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, by brothers Raymond and Clarence, by sisters Jane and Ruth, and by a son named Christopher who died in infancy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dan's name to causes which were meaningful to him: Southwest Florida Honor Flight, which transports war veterans to Washington, DC to be honored at their memorial (www.honorflightswfl.org); and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org). Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family online at www.legacy.com.

A Memorial Mass was held on August 9th at Church of the Resurrection in Ft. Myers Florida, and a family memorial and celebration of Dan’s life is planned for October at Put-In-Bay, Lake Erie, Ohio.

Interment will be private.