Hazel Hahn

HAZEL MARIE (THOMPSON) HAHN finished her 104-year journey on God's green earth February 28, 2023. She now begins her eternal journey with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Hazel was born at Rosholt, South Dakota, September 20, 1918. Hazel was the first daughter born to Joseph and Martha (Paulson) Thompson. Hazel was baptized, confirmed, and served her Lord as a lifelong member of Bethania Lutheran Church in Rosholt.

Hazel and her sister, LaVae (Thompson) Nelson were born, raised and went to school in the Rosholt area. After graduating with the Rosholt High School Class of 1936, Hazel graduated from Dakota Business College in Fargo, North Dakota. She worked in the Rosholt area until marrying Willard "Ike" Hahn on June 30, 1940. To this union was born one son, Jerry Hahn.

In 1943, Ike volunteered for the US Army Air Force Cadet program. Hazel and Jerry joined him whenever possible. At the end of WWII, they moved back to Rosholt to farm with Ike's parents Ed and Esther Hahn. In addition to farming the Home place, northeast of Rosholt, Hazel and Ike annually farrowed and raised 200 hogs. They also operated an aerial spray and air charter business from their private farm airport, plus sold aftermarket farm equipment.

In 1970, they purchased a home in Mesa, AZ, and split their retirement years between Rosholt and Mesa.  In 1980, they sold the farm equipment and began spending time traveling and enjoying Mesa. Ike died in 1996 at the age of 75. Hazel continued living in their Mesa home until 2015, when she moved into Legacy, an assisted care facility. Hazel's health was very good, except for her loss of sight (glaucoma). Starting with her 100th birthday through her 104th birthday, she enjoyed big birthday parties, including relatives, friends, residents and staff at Legacy.

Hazel is survived by her son, Jerry (Mary); grandson, Jay (Jenny); four great-grandchildren: Janessa, Julianna, Jonathan and Joella; as well as her sister, LaVae Nelson, who still lives in Rosholt; plus several nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Martha Thompson; her husband, Willard (Ike); and his parents, Edward and Esther Hahn.

A celebration of life service is planned at Bethania Lutheran Church Saturday, July 22, 2023. Visitation will start at 1 PM with the service at 2 PM. Refreshments will be served at the church after the interment. Her remains will be buried at the Hahn family plot in the Bethania Cemetery, next to the land where Hazel and Ike farmed and loved.

Memorials should be sent to the Bethania Cemetery Fund, Box 107, Rosholt, South Dakota, 57260.  Online condolences can be made at the Eggers Funeral Home site <eggersfh.com> or the Mariposa Gardens Funeral Home site <dignitymemorial.com> in the Mesa area.