Created by my cousins in Michigan ❤️
Unified in our love for her, we, her sons and daughters, announce that Darlene Dawn Hahn broke free from her earthly bonds on Sunday, July 19, 2026, joining the love of her life, Charles Kenneth “Ken,” at the table of their heavenly Creator.
Darlene was generous with her love, and her devotion to family and faith touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She was fearless in the face of any challenge, whether it involved defending her beliefs or loved ones, confronting difficulties with her health, or finding within herself the capacity to forgive.
One of Mom’s proudest achievements grew from her own suffering and became a deeply meaningful personal ministry. She spent countless evenings creating and leading support groups for those living with panic and anxiety, with Dad faithfully at her side. Together, they often traveled well beyond their hometown each week. Her gentle kindness and ability to listen with understanding helped many people find freedom from burdens that might otherwise have stolen their joy—and, in some instances, their lives.
Darlene was born on August 12, 1942, to Conrad and Beatrice Johnson in Big Rapids. She graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1960 and married Ken Hahn on October 21, 1961. Ken and Darlene moved a house from the campus of Ferris State to its current location on Woodward Avenue, where they made it a home and raised their family.
Darlene never “settled” for the life of a homemaker. She worked outside the home throughout her life, but her greatest accomplishment was the loving home she created for her children, their friends, and countless others who experienced her nurturing love. Even after her children had grown and moved away, her home and heart remained open to them.
In her later years, Darlene continued nurturing her children through regular visits to their often-distant homes in Maine, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio, Illinois, and Minnesota. She and Ken also cherished the second family that blossomed around them during their seasonal visits to Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Ken; her mother, Beatrice; her father, Conrad; her stepfather, Lester; her beloved baby sister, Connie; and her treasured nephew, Kurt.
She is survived by siblings, Darryl, Karl, Cheri, and Kerry; her children, Rick (Andrea) Hahn of Willshire, Ohio; Randy (Amanda) Hahn of Big Rapids, Michigan; Tim (Karen) Hahn of Big Rapids, Michigan; and Dawn (Thomas) Oldenburg of Bridgman, Michigan. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Tasha, H’anna, Tommy, and Lily; her great-grandchildren, Payson, Max, and Alex; her very special friends, Sharon and Joe, Sandy, Tim, Mae, Vicky, Deb, and Earl; the Coffee Group; and her much-adored animal companions, Finn and Miss Kitty.
Mom, your fight—fortified by faith, love, and kindness—inspires all of us to be better in your memory. Your beautiful legacy is secure.
Interment at VanGuilder Cemetery will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Jonah Foundation – jonahfoundation.com
Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry – jailministry.org
Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation – cholangiocarcinoma.org
First United Methodist Church – bigrapidsfirst.orgwant to share the text of my Mom’s full obituary and a heartfelt thank you for all of your love and support ❤️
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