Betty Hahn Obituary

Hahn, Betty Jean

Died peacefully on July 31 at the Jones-Harrison Senior Living Residence in Minneapolis, where she lived since July of 2024. The care by the staff is greatly appreciated.

Betty Jean was born on June 17, 1920 to Edward W. and Vera Robbe Hahn, in Waterloo, IA. The family moved to Elkeder, IA in 1921 where she graduated from High School and Junior College. She transferred to the University of Iowa (Iowa City) where she received a B.A. in History in 1942. In her growing up years Betty Jean enjoyed wonderful summer times with her Aunt Maud and Uncle Guy Knowlton, of Floyd, IA.

After graduation she worked one year at the Traveling Library in Des Moines before deciding to attend Library School at the University of Minnesota, where she graduated in 1944. She worked at the public libraries in Longview, WA, and Rochester, MN, before moving to Minneapolis to take a leadership position as a cataloger at the Minneapolis Public Library.

In retirement she volunteered at the National Wildlife Refuge and the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for more than 20 years. She enjoyed trips, gardening, the Guthrie, and was a member of PEO for 80 years. Two members of P.E.O, Anne Sarles and Nancy Jamieson, were outstanding in their care for her.

Special friends are Tim and Diane Struecker of Algona, Iowa and Carol Urness of Minneapolis. BJ leaves good friends at Union Congregational Church in St. Louis Park and at P.E.O.

A graveside service is planned later in Floyd, Iowa.