Harriet Marie Hahn

Harriet Marie Hahn, 103, of Cedar Falls, passed away peacefully at Western Home Communities on Monday, June 29, 2026 with family at her side. She was born at her grandparents’ farmhouse in White, South Dakota, on August 16, 1922, daughter of Wierd and Anna (Reiher) Smidt. At just a few months of age, Harriet’s family resettled in Allison, Iowa on the Reiher farm. She attended Ripley #2 (a one-room schoolhouse) through eighth grade…no running water, no indoor toilets. She graduated from Allison High School in 1940, enjoying chorus, typing class, bookkeeping and history.

Later in 1940, Harriet earned her teaching certificate from Iowa State Teacher’s College (ISTC), teaching in rural schools in the area for six years. Harriet married the love of her life, Russell Wayne Hahn, on June 9, 1944, at Fairview Evangelical Church of Allison. From this union four children were born Terry, Doug, Jean and Greg. Harriet later returned to UNI (formerly ISTC) obtaining her BA in Education degree in 1972. She accepted a job as the Director/Teacher for Cedar Valley Preschool and Child Care Center, retiring from this position in 1988.

Harriet and Russell were actively involved in church activities over the years. She was a member of Esther Circle at First Christian Church, valuing her church family relationships. They also enjoyed traveling with family and friends, especially yearly fishing trips to Minnesota.

Harriet was a great cook and baker, especially known for her family rye bread recipe, milling her own flour from rye seeds. She enjoyed gardening, especially flowers. Her creative side included being an accomplished seamstress and quilter, in addition to crocheting, cross stitching, reading, and playing the piano. Most of all, Harriet loved spending time with family and friends.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 58 years, Russell; a sister, Lucille (Les) Frey; brother-in-law, Dr. Donald Quibell; and nephew, Glenn Frey. She is survived by her children: Terry (Lorraine) Hahn, Doug (Karen) Hahn, Jean (Steve) Firman and Greg (Traci) Hahn; 8 grandchildren: Sarah (Bret) Hanks, Jennifer (Michael) Karlowicz, Hayley (Edward) Ericksen, Andrea (Drago) Ceranic, Amanda (Ryan) Lynch, Barry Firman, Megan (Nev Edwards) Hahn and Alexis (Sam) Munsell; 11 great-grandchildren: Gabie, Brayden, Tanner, Dani, Riley, Dallas, Hadley, Briley, Alek, Madeline, Rowan and one more due in December; 3 great-great grandchildren: Addy, Aaliyah and Amir; a sister, Gertrude Quibell of Warrensburg, Missouri, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, she loved them all dearly.

Harriet’s memorial service will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, with Visitation one hour prior at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home of Cedar Falls. Burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Western Home Communities Foundation or Cedar Valley Preschool & Child Care Center.