In loving memory of

Kaethe Hahn
November 5, 1923 - January 22, 2020

Kaethe (Walewski) Hahn was born November 5, 1923, in East Prussia, Germany to Herman and Clara (Neuman) Walewski. She received her education in Germany until the age of 14. She then went on to technical school where she learned baking, cooking and housekeeping skills. Kaethe was united in marriage to Alfred Otto Hahn in Locken, Germany on November 25, 1944.

In 1955, Kaethe and Alfred came to the United States through a program associated with Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona. They arrived in New York City and came by train to Algona. Their sponsors were Gene and Mary Faulstich. They became United States citizens in 1961. Kaethe helped as a teachers aid at Bryant Elementary School. Kaethe enjoyed spending time with her family, baking, gardening, ironing, going for walks, and housekeeping. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church until she moved to Ventura in 2008.

Kaethe died on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, Iowa. She was 96.

Surviving are her children, Rosalie Olson and husband, Robert, Ventura, Iowa, Alfred Hahn, Jr. and wife, Vickie, Nevada, Iowa, Gary Hahn and wife, Janet, Clear Lake, Iowa and Ingrid Spies, Winona, Minnesota. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Kevin Olson, Mark Olson, Stephanie Lonning, Greg Hahn, Monika Stalzer, Nikki Carney, Jacque Hahn, Eric Hahn, Hannah Mincks, and Alex Spies; great-grandchildren, Madalyn, Teighlor and Jillian Lonning, Bryce and Vanessa Olson, Jenna Hahn, Avery, Drake and Pepper Hinson, Harper, Colton and Chase Carney, and Edwina Mincks; and great-great-grandchildren, Payton Hewitt and Leah Kooiker.

Kaethe was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Alfred; son, Claus Dieter Hahn; sister, Frieda Fedrowitz; and brother, Kurt Walewski.

Tributes

Dale Briggs wrote on Feb 1, 2020:

"Alfred and Gary- Sorry for your loss, my condolences go out to the both of you and your families. Dale Briggs"

Gordon Schenck wrote on Jan 31, 2020:

"Gary and Ingrid, sincerest condolences on your loss."

Tom Centgraf wrote on Jan 28, 2020:

"I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I have many fond memories of my parents Damian and Sarah sitting and visiting with Alfred and Kaethe at the kitchen table, while my brother and I would be begging to see your dad's trains. My father especially enjoyed visiting about Germany and their mutual 'home'. Kaethe was such a wonderful friend and comfort to my mother after my father passed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Tom Centgraf"

Jan Fellin wrote on Jan 27, 2020:

"Rosalie was so sorry to read the passing of your Mother. These are difficult times for you and your family and just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Janet (Davis) Fellin"

Stephen Ostwinkle wrote on Jan 27, 2020:

"Rosalie, Alfred, Gary, and Ingrid, I'm very saddened for your loss. Your mother was a fine person. I remember all of her great cooking and baking dishes, but it was her kindness that stood out. She was a good friend of our family growing up in Algona. I cherish all those memories and may God bless you and your family."

Roger Eller wrote on Jan 26, 2020:

" I remember the last time I saw "mom" - it was in the back yard of your home in Algona. - As I walked into the back yard from the alley, she came out the back door. Her arms outstretched - with her bright eyes and smile. It was the only time "mom" gave me a hug. After all those years of walking through your back yard, the memories of your mom seem like just yesterday. The memories of her spoken word with that ring of her past attached - had a beauty of it's own. She had a sense of humor - usually delivered as we walked out the back door on one of our weekend outings. I'll never forget the day of Gary and Janet's wedding. We were all at the church - no Gary. As mom walked up to the church she spotted me. I walked to her and she started shaking her head. I got this tiny finger point gesture and a slow deliberate head shake. " Where's Gary " I asked " We left him at home - he was in the bathroom - getting sick - again ". And so was Gary's last night at mom's as her child. " He's a man now - he can get himself to the church ". It was simple to "mom" she'd done her part - it was up to us from there on. But it's not that simple - because we're never ready to let go of mom. Our hearts are a little emptier going forward with the loss of "mom"... But our lives are much richer for our experiences with our moms. Peace of Christ be with you and mom. Roger and Laura Eller"

Kenton "Kent" Immerfall wrote on Jan 25, 2020:

"Rosalie, Family and friends of Kaethe, On behalf of the Algona High School class of 1964, our most sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. Personally, wish I would have taken the time to know your Mom. Such a wonderful and long life. Imagine she had interesting memories of days in Germany. Please know that all of her finest attributes will Live On with all who knew and loved her. Kent "

Henry W And Evelyn Friedrich wrote on Jan 25, 2020:

"Our sincere sympathy to the members of Kathe's family. It was a delight to visit and celebrate the Lord's Supper with Kathe and her husband. I had an opportunity to learn a little more German. Also Kathe Helped me by translating some German certificates and letters over the years. We thank God for her faith in Jesus Christ and her ability to deal with the many challenges in her life. May you find comfort in God's promise: "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever lives and believes in me shall have eternal life!" Pastor Henry and Evelyn Friedrich."

maree miller heng wrote on Jan 25, 2020:

"Your mother was so kind and thoughtful and talented in so many ways. She was so good to my mother. I will especially remember her baking skills. She made one dessert I especially loved. It was a dark pink, layered and some kind of crunchies on the outside. Think it had raspberries in it. She would never give out the recipe. She also made heavenly angel food cakes. Really liked the frosting. My prayers are with all your family. "

Marilyn Ezdon wrote on Jan 24, 2020:

"Ingrid and family, I am so sorry for the passing of your mother. No matter the age, it still hurts. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."