With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Patriarch, Kenneth Hahn, born to eternal life at the age of 90. He left us peacefully on February 27, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
Kenny was born November 24, 1935 in the Town of Wolf River, WI, the son of the late Charles and Edna (Buchholz) Hahn.
Kenny graduated from Weyauwega High School in 1953, married Barbara Olson in 1957 and together they raised four amazing children while farming together. In 1961, he and Barb purchased the Orihula Ballroom along with his brother, Cliff, and his wife Judy which they ran together for five years while running the family farm. Each following his passion, Kenny and Cliff exchanged interests in the Ballroom and farm and went on to be very successful in each endeavor.
Kenny loved farming and milking cows. He was especially proud that his Holstein herd achieved the Top Milk Production Award in Winnebago County in 1989. Farming was his life and he truly loved working the land. Some of his happiest times included skiing up North with family and friends, elk hunting out West and ice-fishing on Pages Slough with his buddies. He loved making memories with his children and grandchildren during his and Barb’s annual wedding anniversary trips to Siesta Key, Florida. With Ken’s involvement in the Liquid Waste Haulers Industry with the original owners Bob and Pete, he worked with Barb at their trade shows and met many wonderful people who would become some of his life-long friends.
Beloved husband of Barbara who survives him, with whom he shared more than 68 years of marriage (Yes, the original Ken & Barbie!). Loving father of Keith (Jackie) Hahn, Susie Gilbert, Julie (Shawn Kennedy) Hahn, and Mary (Dave) Klebenow. Further survived by five grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Matt Anderson), Kelsey (Kevin Hereau), and Kimberly (Matt May) Gilbert, William (Virginia) Klebenow, and Noah Klebenow and one great grandchild, Aurelia; four brothers-in-law, William Fischer, Leo Olson, John Olson and Bob Olson; two sisters-in-law, Jean (Mark) Tegelman and Shelley (Ken) Podell. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and many wonderful friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Darlene, Marlyn Sr. (Janet), Clifford (Judy), and Iva Fischer, as well as his in-laws Willard and Marjorie Olson.
Visitation will be held at Lewin Funeral Home, 210 W. Main St., Fremont, WI, on Thursday, March 5, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM, and on Friday, March 6, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Hope United Church of Christ, 8950 Alpine Rd., Fremont. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Weyauwega-Fremont FFA or to Hope United Church of Christ.
Special thanks to Kenny’s caregivers in his final months including Barb, Lorie, Kathy, Kimberly, and Judy. The warmth, patience, and professionalism you consistently showed made a world of difference - not just for Kenny, but our whole family. We are thankful and forever grateful for the comfort, dignity, and peace you brought to our daily life. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the dedicated team at ThedaCare Hospice (especially Niki, Amy, Angie, Heidi, and Luke) for their exceptional care.
Dad, we promise to turn the lights out and shut the door when we leave and think of you with a smile. We love you and will miss the sparkle in your beautiful blue eyes as well as your response to our “I love you” with, “only half”!
