Charyl K. Hahn

Charyl Kay (Wagendorf, Stenger) Hahn

December 31, 1949 - April 28, 2020

In Charyl’s own words…

I was born and lived in Detroit Lakes all my life.  I had a great childhood and my parents spoiled me rotten.  I graduated from DLHS in 1967, the youngest in my class.  I was so proud!  After graduation I wanted to keep my class together.  I helped coordinate our reunions and have tried to keep ongoing contact with many of my classmates.  It’s my hope that this will continue.   

I was baptized and confirmed at 1^st Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes.  On March 30, 1968 I married Donnie Stenger at this church.  It was the happiest day of my life.  From this union we had three beautiful children:  Terry Lee, Lisa Louise and Kaycee Nicole.  I want to thank the Stenger Family for 25 years of great memories.   I felt so much a part of that family and loved them all dearly to the end.

 Around 1978, I took my family and joined Immanuel Lutheran Church of Shell Lake.  We belonged to this church for over 25 years.  During that time, I coordinated Sunday school, was on the church council and put on 5 last supper plays.  I was so proud of those plays, it was such a wonderful experience. 

In 1992, I joined a divorce support group, Beginning Experience.  It was the best time of my life.  I met so many wonderful people, went so many wonderful places.  It was during this time that I met my best friend, Dorene Kostrzewski.  She was the one who introduced me to my future husband, Jeff Hahn.  Jeff and I fell in love and were married in 1998. 

My working years consisted of:  Ben Franklin, Rural MN CEP, Becker County Human Services, DL Printing and finally the job of my dreams Thrivent Financial/BCBS of MN.  I worked there for over 13 years and had the best boss/friend ever, Chris Cymbaluk.

My hobbies include reading, puzzle books (passed on for generations), spring planting and putting up Christmas decorations.  I am also a devoted MN Vikings fan.  My favorite singer/dancer is Michael Jackson, I’ve always wanted one of his songs played at my funeral.

But the best part of my life and what I’m the most proud of is my family.

-Jeff, my husband, I swear was a blessing from God.  He has been so good to me.  Going through this whole cancer ordeal, he has been with me every step of the way.  I could not have done it without him.  Jeff, I love you so much and Thank You!  I will miss you, but my hope is that you have a new, happy life.

-My children, who have grown into such beautiful human beings.  My son, Terry Lee (Monica) Stenger, Detroit Lakes, MN; two daughters, Lisa Louise Honer (Jim Baumgart), New York Mills, MN; and Kaycee Nicole Stenger (Lamar Wells), Moorhead, MN.

-My wonderful Grandchildren: Tyler (Sarah) Stenger, Ponsford; Jimmy Honer (Melissa Hoffman), New York Mills; Shelsey Honer, New York Mills; Josie Honer, New York Mills, and Jordan Corneliussen, Moorhead.  2 great grandchildren, Jaxon and Jamison Stenger.

-Another I hold most dear is my beautiful sister, Pat Coalwell, Dilworth.  I am so sorry I had to leave you.  I love you always. 

-A niece, my brother Jerry’s daughter, Wendy Gjerde (Roger) and family; 3 nephews: Rick (Sophie) Coalwell and family  in Virginia State; Mark (Jeanne) Coalwell and family in Maple Grove; and Keith (Michelle) Coalwelll  and family in Dilworth.

-I would also like to mention; my BFF, Dorene Kostrzewski; my cousin, Myra Eastman; Uncle Donald, Aunt Leona, Aunt Marion, Aunt Luella and many other special cousins.

I do have many that have gone before me.  My parents, John and Harriet Wagendorf; my brother (my hero) and sister-in-law, Jerry and Linda Wagendorf; my brother-in-law, Rolland Coalwell; my so little granddaughter, Lindsay Honer; and my devoted puppy, McKenzie

I fought this battle with cancer as hard as I could, always trying to think positive.  I had many talks and prayers with God.  I wanted to be a “cancer survivor”.  But God did not answer as I had hoped.  He had other plans for me.  I am looking forward to seeing and being with so many loved ones that have gone before me.  It will be good to see them all again.  But I know I will miss my family here deeply!  I want you to know I will be with you always.  I want you to be happy, healthy and wish you all the best in life.  Live your lives to the fullest.  Keep our family together and love each other always.