Abner Hahn Obituary

Durango resident Abner Decker Hahn, Jr. died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Sun City, Ariz. He turned 89 two days earlier.

Mr. Hahn was born to Daisy and Abner Decker Hahn Sr. on Jan. 18, 1924, in Muscatine, Iowa.

He served in the Army during World War II. Stationed in Europe, he was a member of the military police, serving as a guard at the Nuremberg Trials.

After the war, he moved to Crested Butte, where he met Annabelle Ruggera. The couple married June 29, 1947, in Crested Butte.

After graduating from Western State College with a teaching degree, Mr. Hahn moved to Pagosa Springs, to become a teacher. He went on to became the principal of Pagosa Springs High School, followed by being the superintendent for the Archuleta County School District.

In 1960, Mr. Hahn moved to Durango to teach at Miller Junior High School, later becoming the principal of that school. He moved on to Durango High School to be the principal there.

He eventually returned to Pagosa Springs to become the superintendent of schools there again until his retirement in 1980.

During his retirement, he enjoyed living at Vallecito Reservoir in a cabin he and his children built. He wintered in Mexico for a time, before finding his permanent second home in Sun City with his wife, Ann.

Mr. Hahn took up the hobby of carving faces from pine knots – "Knotheads" – that he would sell at numerous crafts fairs in the area. He also enjoyed making silver jewelry and wooden bowls in his free time.

Mr. Hahn is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ann Hahn, of Durango and Sun City; daughter, Sandi Hahn, of Durango; sons Abner Decker Hahn III and Robert Hahn, both of Durango; and one grandson.

A private service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Mercy, 1 Mercado St. Suite 270, Durango, CO 81301.