Gerhard Hahn

Gerhard ‘Gary’ Hahn, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away peacefully with family by his side on December 25th, 2025 at the age of 77.

Gerhard was an engineer by trade. At Western Electric, he was instrumental in designing and testing the electrical failure recovery systems we enjoy today. He was also instrumental in keeping the plants running efficiently and online by maintainingtheir computer systems during his 31 years at Omaha Public Power District.

As a young man, Gerhard was All-Conference in Football his last 2 years at Elkhorn H.S. After one very cold winter working construction for his dad, he realized college was in his future and graduated from DeVry University with an Associate Degree in Engineering. He loved riding motorcycles and raced competitively and nearly always ended in the top three. We were always impressed with the true stories he would tell. As an adult, he enjoyed many hobbies including woodworking and a great day of target practice at the gun range. He never met a problem he could not solve. He loved tinkering around with his toys, tools, and always had the newest and coolest ones.

Most importantly, Gerhard was a strong family man. He was old-school and offered tremendous strength to the people in his life and cared deeply about them. He had a kind strength that was infectious and encouraged the lives of everyone around him. His look was of a powerful, kind, loving, and generous spirit.

Gerhard was born in Erwitte, Germany and arrived in Charter Oak, Iowa with his parents at age 4. He is the oldest of his siblings and is survived by his wife of 23 years: Lorraine Hahn; his 2 brothers and 2 sisters: Wolfgang Hahn, Siegfried Hahn (Vicki), Monica Barth (Steve), Irene Coldanghise (Nick); his sons: Eric Hahn, Jason Hahn (Joanna); his stepson: Carter Leeka(Lindsay); and his grandchildren: Nathan Hahn (Mel), Parker Leeka and August Leeka. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Liesbeth Hahn. No services will be held at Gerhard’s request.