Mr. Ronald E Hann

Our family would like to thank all of you for coming today as we celebrate the life of my father, Ronald Ellwood Hann.

Dad was born on August 25, 1924, the son of Benjamin Franklin Hann and Marion O’Neal Hann. He was born at home in State College Pennsylvania. Dad was the oldest of four children. Dad had a brother Mason and two sisters Patty and Janet. Dad attended School in State College, Pennsylvania.

Dad and Mom meet in State College Pennsylvania in 1942. Dad was in high school and Mom was attending Pennsylvania State University. They began dating. Dad received his draft notice for World War two in August of 1942. He received a deferment to finish high school. Dad graduated from high school in June 1943 and was inducted into the Army the same month. Dad went through basic training and was deployed to Europe In February of 1944. Dad served in various parts off Europe as a truck driver moving bombs and supplies for the allied forces. After the invasion of Normandy Dad spent countless hours moving supplies and equipment from the beaches of Normandy to bases in Europe. Dad also was assigned to guard German prisoners of war toward the end of the war. Dad was discharged from the Army in December of 1945 and returned home to State College.

Dad and Mom were married on July 10, 1946 in Everett Pennsylvania. Shortly after mom and dad were married they moved to Chicago for Dad to attend commercial art school. Dad attended art school for a short time and began to have doubts about whether he wanted a career in commercial art. His main issue was the commercial art centers were in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles and Dad did not like big city life. Dad and Mom decided he would quit art school and they moved home to Sate College.

Dad found a job at the College Heights Service Station in Sate College. During that time Mom lead my Dad to the Lord.

Dad and Moms first child, David Hann, was born on September 24, 1948, In Bellfonte, Pennsylvania.

Dad went to work for the US Post Office in September of 1949. Dad and mom built a home in Lemont Pennsylvania’s and moved into the house in 1950.

Dad and Moms second child, Kathy Hann, was born on January 16, 1951. Their third child, Janet Hann, was born October 31, 1953.

In June of 1959 Dad and Mom joined New Tribes Mission and began missionary training in Jersey Shore Pennsylvania. They finished missionary training in June of 1961.

Dad and Mom went to the mission field in East Brazil in 1962. They arrived in Belem Brazil in April of 1962. Dad was assigned to set up and administer a language and linguistics program for Brazilian missionary candidates. Dad and mom served faithfully in Brazil for 38 years. During their first term in Brazil there fourth child, Ritchey Hann, was born on December 04, 1962. There fifth child, Stephen Hann was born on January 01, 1965. Dad and Mom retired from missionary service in May of 1997. They moved into the retirement homes in Sanford in November of 1997. Dad and Mom enjoyed their retirement and continued to serve in the mission finance office and their local church. Mom passed away December 08, 2003. Dad continued to serve in his church teaching Sunday school and reviewing missionary letters for the pastor. Dads health began to fail and he was moved to the lake Mary Health and Rehabilitation Center in January of 2015. He lived in the Rehabilitation center until his death on November 24, 2018.

Dad was preceded in death by his Son, David Hann and his wife, Jeanne Hann. Dad had five children, 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Dad enjoyed studying and writing. Dad loved spending time with his family and enjoyed the holidays. He was a big football fan and loved Penn State football and of course the Pittsburgh Steelers. People described Dad as a loving, kind, considerate, patient, organized person with a great sense of humor.Dad had a kind quiet spirit about him that put people at ease. Even while spending the last three years in the nursing home Dad had an impact on the staff there. The staff described him as their favorite patient as he was kind and loving and so easy to care for. Dad set a great example for all of us to follow and he left a great legacy. They say when you die it’s not how much money or earthly possessions you have but how you treated others and the impact you had on others lives. Dad a a big impact on many people throughout his earthly life.

The family asked me to share a few brief personal memories of Dad:

My sister

Kathy: my fond memories of Dad were sitting on his lap listening to music. Dad hiding Easter eggs at Easter. Going to the circus with Dad. Dad and mom made their home base, during furloughs, in Hillsboro Kansas were I lived, which allowed them to bond with there grandchildren.

My bother-in-law

Steve (Kathy’s husband): I remember Dad and Mom spent furloughs in Hillsboro, Kansas, were we lived with our family. We would go to Dad and Moms almost every night and spend time with them. The evening would usually consist of Dad telling stories. The evening would usually end with us eating Oreos and drinking Pepsi.

My sister

Janet: I remember Dads patience. He never raised his voice with us. Dad playing the piano which he played by ear, my favorite song was Boogie Boogie Bugle Boy of Company B. His stories he would tell us, he was a master story teller. And finally the example he set for all off us.

Ritchey: I remember my Dad always made time for me no matter how busy he was. I remember he was a great example to me of what a true man of God should be. I enjoyed talking to dad about sports and his youth and the war. In 1979 the Pittsburgh Pirates were playing in the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles. It was game seven and the winner would win the series. We were living in Brazil and had no TV. Dad was listening to the game on the radio. My mother wanted me to go to bed as it was a school night. I went to bed. Once mom went to bed Dad got me back up to listen to the game. We stayed up until after 1am and listened to Pirates win the World Series.

My wife keri

Keri (my wife): Dad was a great man. He watched our family grow to 10 children and 5 grandchildren. He always supported us and prayed for us. He always had Godly wisdom and never judged us. I always enjoyed watching him with the grandkids. He loved children. I always made him draw for us as he was a talented artist. I treasure his drawings and the story behind each drawing. He was kind and never complained about anything. The legacy he left was admirable and I hope others will follow his leadership and the example he set for all off us. He will be greatly missed and I will always love him.

My brother

Stephen: Dad was the best person to talk to about your problems. He would listen and give his advise. Which was good advise. He always made time for us. He was the greatest dad In The world.

My sister-in law

Elisa (Stephen’s wife): Dad was caring and heart warming. He treated me like family from the time I meet him. He would always send birthday cards to my two children. I really appreciated how Dad made me feel like part of the family from the day I first meet him.