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Obituaries

Journey to the Spirit World

This page serves as a space to honor and remember the lives of our tribal members who have passed away. Here, we come together as a compassionate and supportive community to pay tribute to their legacies.

Obituary picture of Brenden J. Hahn
Brenden J. Hahn

Born: February 6, 1987
Journeyed to the Spirit World: November 1, 2022

Brenden J. Hahn “Ha Kikta Najiŋ” (Always Looking Back), 35, of Flandreau, SD passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Brenden was born February 6, 1987, in Flandreau, SD to Janine Schaap and Geoffrey Peterson. He was raised in Flandreau and attended Flandreau Public School. Brenden went to Job Corps for carpentry and worked for Bruce Allen, traveling the countryside building grain bins. He spent several years working for his uncle, Jimmy Schaap, in building construction in Sioux Falls. Brenden was currently working the buffalo herd for the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. He loved all sports, especially the Vikings, Duke and the Yankees, being a faithful and enthusiastic fan. He enjoyed a good steak, and all good meals shared with friends and family. Brenden loved and cherished his family, close and extended, saying I love you and I appreciate everything you have done for me,  in every conversation. His heart was with his young relatives; He valued and respected his body, pushed himself to the limit in physical workouts, exhibiting an example of physical fitness to the younger generation. Brenden’s favorite color was all shades of blue, He loved to laugh – he had his father’s laugh, deep and hearty. He enjoyed conversations with everyone, playing games and watching action movies. He had a giving spirit and was generous to a fault. The virtues he lived by were love, life, loyalty, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

Brenden is survived by his mother Janine (Dan Bunjer) Schaap, Arco, MN; siblings, Daniel Hahn, Flandreau; Alyssa Hahn, St. Paul, MN; Trevor Hahn, Brookings, SD; three stepsisters; grandmothers, Judy Allen, Flandreau; Judy Schaap, Sioux Falls; grandfather Dennis Hahn, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Brenden was preceded by his fathers, Geoffrey Peterson and Doug Hahn; grandmother Shirley Hahn, and grandfather Jim Schaap.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Monday, November 7, 2022, at Eastman Hall, Flandreau, with burial in First Presbyterian Cemetery, Flandreau. Visitation begins at 2:00 pm Sunday with a 4:00 pm prayer service followed by an all-night wake at Eastman Hall.