Hahn, Douglas E.

Douglas E. Hahn, 68, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center. A celebration of Doug's life will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at The Avacentre at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW, with the gathering beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Doug was born April 1, 1945, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Robert and Dorothy (Check) Hahn. Doug was born with autism and at the age of 12 moved to Woodward State Hospital. In 1987, he moved back to Cedar Rapids in a Discovery Living Inc. group home, making this his permanent home. He was one of the inspirations for the Association of Retarded Children (Arc).

He worked at Options of Linn County until he retired in 2005, attending Milestones of Marion. Doug touched a lot of hearts, where he lived, worked and during retirement. In 2011, he was featured in a book on Facilitated Communication, called “Real People, Regular Lives: Autism, Communication and Quality of Life,” by Sally R. Young Ph.D.

Doug participated in Special Olympics over the years, most recently in Boccie ball, where he won several medals. He enjoyed attending camp at Camp Courageous, boat rides, painting, birdfeeders and birdhouses, listening to music, all holidays, ice cream sundaes, and spending time with family.

Doug is survived by his siblings, Barb and Jim Axline of Nevada, Judi and Jeff Barta of Solon, and Jan Hahn of Albquerque, N.M.; and nieces and nephews, Pat and Courtney Axline, Dan Axline, Kelly Barta Kriz and her partner, Lisa Jones, Nicki and Jason Siemens, Brad and Crystal Hahn, Jeremy Hahn, Ben Hahn and fiancee Vera Torres and April and Shawn Brady.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dorothy Hahn; and a brother, Gary Hahn.

A memorial fund has been established in Doug's name.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.

Published April 5, 2013 in The Gazette