Richard B Hahn

HAHN, LAKE

Posted By: Pat Frette (email)
Date: 4/29/2009 at 11:15:04

Richard B. Hahn, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, 95, of Boone, formerly of Oak Ridge, Tennessee and Detroit Michigan, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Boone County Hospital in Boone, Iowa.
Richard was born on July 6, 1913 in Detroit, Michigan. He was the only child of Balser and Hattie Hahn. He attended the public schools in Detroit. After graduating from high school, he attended Wayne State University where he received his Bachelors and Masters Degree in Chemistry and his teaching certificate. It was there he met his future wife, Constance Lake, both graduated students in the Chemistry Department. They married June 25, 1938 and took up residence in Detroit where they lived for 39 years.
After graduating from the University, Richard taught Chemistry and Mathematics at Cass Technical High School in Detroit. He also served as part-time instructor in Evening School at Wayne State University. During the World War II years he became a full-time instructor at the University. During this period he taught Chemistry in the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) and in the Cadet Nurses Program. He served as Gas Reconnaissance Agent in the Civilian Defense Corp and emergency chemist in the Detroit Water Works.
Post war he attended the University of Michigan and received his PhD in Analytical Chemistry. There he was a member of the Gamma Alpha Scientific Fraternity, the Society of Sigma Xi and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He returned to his position at Wayne State University where he became a full professor and head of the Analytical Chemistry Division.
In 1950 the University granted him leave to conduct research at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory where he worked in the Analytical Chemistry Division for 18 months. When he returned to the University he set up a Radiochemistry Laboratory and trained many students in this field. During his sabbatical year in 1969 he held the post of visiting Scientist at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment in Harwell, England where he conducted research in the field of Radiochemistry.
Over his career he directed the research of more than fifty graduate students and published many scientific papers. He was co-author of three textbooks in Analytical Chemistry and contributed several chapters to the "Treatise on Analytical Chemistry". At Wayne State University he was honored by the Excellence in teaching award from the University. The Society of Analytical Chemists presented him the Anachem award for his outstanding work in this field.
He and his late wife Constance enjoyed many hobbies. They enjoyed traveling, especially by rail and took several trips through Canada, USA, and England. Music was very important and part of their lives. Richard was especially gifted and could play hundreds of popular melodies from memory. He was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Richard is preceded by his parents, his wife and his son, Paul.
Richard is survived by his son, Thomas E. Hahn and his wife, Sigrid of Jacksonville, Florida; his 4 grandchildren, Richard S. Hahn and wife, Leigh of Ogden, Iowa; Christine Kelley and husband, Christopher of Overland Park, Kansas; Michael T. Hahn of Jeffersonville, Indiana; David R. Hahn Florence, Kentucky; his 6 great-grandchildren; his cousins, Charles and Barbara Stechow of Georgia; several nieces and nephews.
His body has been cremated and a Memorial Service will be held at 9:00 A.M., Monday, April 20, 2009 in the Chapel of the Eastern Star Masonic in Boone, Iowa. Rev. David Beagley will officiate. There will be a time of fellowship after the Memorial Service.
On April 23, 2009, Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. at the Faith Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge, Tennessee for Paul B. Hahn and Richard B. Hahn. Rev. Bill Wagner will officiate. Following the service, burial of the cremated remains will be at the Oak Ridge Memorial Park, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church of Boone, Iowa or the Faith Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.walter-schroederfuneralhome.com
Walter ~ Schroeder Funeral Home at Fifth & Story Streets in Boone, Iowa is in charge of the arrangements. Boone News Republican