Charles Frederick Hahn

The Hahn family invites you to join them for a virtual Memorial Service for Charles Frederick Hahn, on Saturday, May 30, 2020, at 1:00 pm Eastern Time. A virtual reception will follow with time for sharing memories and reflections. To register and for further information, please go to https://bit.ly/charleshahn. Please feel free to share this link and information with others who may be interested. The service and reception will be recorded for those not able to attend.

Charles Frederick Hahn, 89, of Bloomington, Indiana, completed his journey on earth on Friday, March 27, 2020, at Richland Bean-Blossom Healthcare Center. He was born on September 9, 1930, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the son of Nell (King) Hahn and Fred W. Hahn.

From his earliest days as president of his Oklahoma City District Methodist Youth Fellowship, Charles’s life was defined by his calling as a pastor. Charles received his undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University and his Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at SMU, and was ordained in 1956. While at Perkins, Charles met Doris Schulze, also a graduate student there. They married in 1955.

After serving as pastor for several churches in the United Methodist Church Southwest Texas Conference, Charles requested a special assignment to work with the Ecumenical Institute and then the Institute of Cultural Affairs, initially teaching courses in religious and cultural studies and later doing community development work around the world. During their work with these organizations, Charles and Doris lived in: Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; London and Yorkshire, England; Brussels, Belgium; Mumbai, India; and Houston, TX. While Charles was always proud to be an “Okie,” he enjoyed making every place he lived his home.

After twenty-two years working with the EI and ICA, Charles returned to local church ministry in Texas. Charles loved all aspects of pastoring, but especially ministering to those most in pain, in need, and in despair. He was at his best making hospital visits, performing funerals, and advocating for society’s most vulnerable and marginalized. He was committed to social justice and was not afraid to speak out. After retiring from the ministry, Charles volunteered with the Indigent Healthcare Program in Bastrop, Texas, where he eventually became director before retiring a second time in 2001.

Charles and Doris embraced Bloomington as their home after moving here in 2004 to be closer to their daughters. Charles enjoyed volunteering for the First United Methodist Church Wednesday Pantry, which led to his connection to Hoosier Hills Food Bank. He was also devoted to Hoosiers for a Common Sense Health Plan, believing that good healthcare should be a right for all.

Charles was a gracious man who loved humanity, family, community, the United Methodist Church, the planet, music of all kinds, all creatures (especially dogs), and pancakes.

Charles is survived by his wife, Doris, daughters Marsha Hahn (Pat Moriarty) of Everett, WA, and Shelley Hahn (Greg Simon) of Bloomington, IN, grandson Erin Stansbury (Kelly Woznicki) and great grandchildren Sam, Margo and Annalee Stansbury of Seattle, WA.

Memorial service plans will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to Hoosier Hills Food Bank in Bloomington. Please email office@hhfoodbank.org to let them know your donation is in Charles's memory

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com