Eugene "Gene" Adam Hahn

Eugene “Gene” Adam Hahn departed from this world to begin his journey in the next on Sunday, September 21, 2014. Gene was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, mentor, and community servant. He was also a faithful believer in the presence of God, and exemplified his faith and his love in his actions and his words to others.

Gene was a life-long member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and a member of the Reitz High School class of 1959. After high school he spent almost a year working at Whirlpool before deciding to take his education to the next level, and he paid his own way to achieve his higher education. He attended Indiana University for one year, and then returned home to attend the University of Evansville, working for his brothers in the mornings, going to school in the afternoons, and selling insurance in the evenings. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

Gene was a member of the Army Reserves from 1964–1970. In 1965, Gulf Oil Company brought him on board. He went through the advancement chairs of sales representative, real estate, advertisement and promotions, then special detail to dispose of all retail outlets in 15 states.

On October 30, 1965, Gene married Janet Shripka. They navigated this world together patiently and lovingly for almost 49 years. Together they raised two daughters, Debby and Lori, and taught them how to value and prioritize faith, family and work.

Shortly after the birth of his daughters, Gene became a real estate broker. He went to work briefly for Huber Realty, and then decided to use his acquired business knowledge to work for himself. He bought the local Sunoco distributorship in 1974. At the time, the distributorship had one jobber-owned property, but Gene grew it into Hahn Oil Company, developing 45 locations over a 20-year period of time. He served as the president of the Indiana Oil Marketers Association for 2 years and served on the Sunoco National Advisory Board and the Pocket City’s Oilmen Club. Gene sold his interests in 1994 with the intention of retiring.

However, a hard work ethic prevailed over the idea of relaxing, and Gene started Hahn Realty Corporation in 1994. With family and wonderful associates, Hahn Realty grew. Projects of Gene’s include the 2001 development of Eagle Plaza on the west side and the 2002 purchase, along with a fellow developer, of Washington Square Mall. Gene has many other projects in the making with truly great partners and has helped countless people throughout the years in making steps toward business ventures of their own.

Community service was an integral part of Gene’s character. He had a true passion for the University of Evansville basketball program. In addition to serving as president of the Tip Off Club, president of the Alumni Association, and a member of the Sixth Man Club, Gene hosted and helped almost 100 players throughout the years, providing mentoring, connections, and employment for the athletes. Gene and Jan’s first date was a UE game at Valparaiso, and they have rooted the Aces on ever since.

Gene was a member of the Westside Nut Club for the past 43 years. He treasured the friendships he developed within the organization, and he enjoyed the time he was able to play Santa when the group would visit the hospitals and nursing homes at Christmas. He really knew how to light up some faces.

His brother, Mel Hahn, of Elberfeld, IN, preceded Gene in death.

Gene is survived by his adoring wife, Janet (Shripka) Hahn, his two daughters, Debby Welsh of Ft. Myers, FL, and Lori Stahl (Dirck) of Evansville, his sister, Jackie Gard (J.R.) of Marshall, MI, his brothers Clarence “Butch” Hahn (Pat) of Pompano Beach, FL, Gary Hahn of Evansville, two grandsons who idolized their Pawpaw, Grant and Chase Cornelison, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who he treated like family, all of whose lives are better in some way by knowing Gene.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, September 27, 2014, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 2227 West Michigan Street, officiated by Rev. Jeff Long and Rev. Lynn Marino, with entombment in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Friday from 12:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander West Chapel, 2100 West Illinois Street, and Saturday from 9:00 AM until service time at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Honor of Gene Hahn to the Men’s Basketball Program at the University of Evansville, 1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47722 or to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 2227 West Michigan Street, Evansville, IN 47712. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.