Irene Hahn

Ruby (Irene) Hahn 97

Peacefully fell asleep in the arms of Jesus on Monday, July 28, 2025. She fought the good fight and never gave up, even though her body was failing, she was ready for eternal rest. Irene was born in the family home on November 19, 1927 in Pryor, Oklahoma to Virgil and Mamie Brown. She graduated from Strang High School in 1945.

Irene married Harold Hahn Jr. in November, 1967. Between the two of them they had seven children.

Irene worked hard in everything she did. She was co-owner and operated of Happy House Day Care in the early 1970’s. She provided this much needed service of childcare to the Springfield community.

In 1976 Irene and Harold started Carpet Kleen and Restoration. They worked side by side helping families recover from disasters and making homes fresh and clean. They hired many friends and family to help with the business. They were happy to retire after 25 years.

In 1983 after many years of Irene attending Mass with Harold and their family she converted to the Catholic faith and their marriage was blessed at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Springfield, Missouri.

Irene was very involved as a volunteer at SEAS parish for many years. Harold and Irene, with the help and guidance of their dear friend Fr. Mike McDevitt, were instrumental in the development of the RCIA program at St. Elizabeth. They accompanied and mentored many souls on their journey to becoming Catholic with the help of many devoted parishioners. Of course, this involved converting the SEAS gymnasium into a beautiful church and providing amazing music for the Easter Vigil.

Irene enjoyed hosting many fun gatherings at her and Harold’s home. She was a great cook and provided delicious meals and snacks for all. She was well known for her famous sweet and sour cole slaw which was always highly requested at the Harvest Home Festival for many years.

Irene along with Sr. Elizabeth Ann Weiler, Wanda Lohkamp and Debbie Johnson implemented and developed the Steven Ministries program in the early 1990’s at St. Elizabeth. With the help of a parishioner who donated the funds they were an able to complete the required training in St. Louis. Irene was truly called to this ministry. She loved ministering to people in need with compassion and care.

Before and during retirement you could often find Irene and Harold fishing and camping at beautiful Table Rock Lake.

Irene loved dancing and all genres of music and never missed an opportunity to be out on the dance floor. She also enjoyed playing cards. She loved gardening and had a very green thumb.

She was proceeded in death by her parents Virgil and Mamie Brown , and her husband Harold Hahn.

She was survived by her sister Mary Jo Trogdon of Pryor, OK. Children; Tony Hahn wife Alice, of Springfield, MO. Chris Hahn wife Kelly, of Wichita, KS. Tim Hahn wife Susen of Edmond, OK. Carol Manczuk of Springfield, MO. James Watkins wife Tamara of Joplin, MO. Susie Steele husband Leroy of Battlefield, MO.

Grandchildren; Melanie Bishop, Greg Buchanan, Stephanie Garcia, Michael Watkins, Stephen Martin, Sydney Steele, Blake Steele, Wendy Chaney, Jennifer Utne, T.J. Hahn, Ashley Hahn, Amber Watson, Steven Hahn, Richard Hahn, Sadie Hahn, and Aidan Hahn.

Twenty five great-grandchildren. Three great-great-grandchildren.

Irene loved being called Aunt Irene by her Sis’s girls Teresa, Brenda and Diane who she was very proud of.

Irene’s was loved and will be missed by her friends whom many were considered family.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Ravenwood for all the loving care and beautiful friendships she developed there. We are very grateful to St. Croix Hospice for their compassion and professional care of Irene. They were a blessing in her last days.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. She will be buried at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Springfield, Missouri.