Obituaries

Eileen Hahn, age 85, gained her heavenly wings on January 31st surrounded by family at her home in DeForest. She was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer just 16 days before. Her prayers were answered when she was able to go quickly, in her sleep, and with her family near.

Eileen was born on May 6, 1938, to Helen and Carl F. Statz. She lived and attended school in Waunakee. On June 7, 1956, Eileen married Dean Hahn, moved to and farmed west of DeForest for the next chapter of their lives. They were married for 65 years before Dean passed in August of 2021.

Eileen was raised a “city girl” but quickly learned to love life on the farm. In additional to helping with field work, cows, hogs, and growing an abundant garden, Eileen raised six children. She was known for her beautiful flower beds stretching throughout the farm, homemade potato salad, and the best turkey and gravy that ever crossed a holiday plate. Eileen enjoyed attending tractor pulls, taking trips to the Amish, craft sales, watching sports on tv, and tending her flower beds with her golf cart and loyal farm dog perched alongside. Eileen learned to do scratch art and made many friends at the DeForest Senior Center. Eileen was a kind and giving person. She proudly decorated her home for every season and welcomed family and friends alike to share in her incredible cooking and baking. Eileen cherished the friendships and memories she made in the Red Hat group, which allowed her to travel on many bus trips and attend shows. Eileen was admired for how classy she looked with her freshly pressed outfits and matching jewelry. She also cherished the close relationships she had with her sisters-in-law, Toni, Mary, and Dorothy Statz.

Eileen’s children Sherri, Belinda, Dale, Rhonda, Brenda, and David inherited many of her passions. Eileen was a very proud grandmother and eventually, great-grandmother. She was a constant presence at the kids’ sporting events, church, and school programs. Nothing put a bigger smile on her face than when she was surrounded by her grandkids. They will always cherish the love she shared and the gathering place she created in her home.

Eileen is survived by her six children, Sherri (Jr) Manthe, Belinda (Mark) Zeman, Dale (Michelle) Hahn, Rhonda Hahn, Brenda (Shawn) Haney, and David (Kristin Stoltz) Hahn; grandchildren, Mike, Tracy, Tamara, Troy, Tony, Tory, Alyssa, Allison, Brandon, Sydney, and Morgan; great-grandchildren Monroe, Marshall, Merritt, Kaylynn, Lane, McKoy, Asher, Oden, and Charlotte; in-laws Toni, Mary and Dorothy Statz; and many nieces and nephews.

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, Dean, parents Helen and Carl F. Statz, in-laws Asa and Ella Hahn, an infant daughter, brothers Ron, Ken, and Dave Statz, brothers and sisters-in-law Dave and Bernadine Hahn, Ray and Mary Kelley, and Don and Ethel Hahn.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Agrace (Ashley, Heather, Miranda and Michelle) for helping keep mom at home and comfortable in her last hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 623 Jefferson Street, DeForest, where Eileen was a long time member. Visitation will be held from 9 am until the time of the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to UW Children’s Hospital, Badger Honor Flight, or Agrace.

“A mother holds her children’s hands for just a little while, their hearts forever!”

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.