Roll Call Tribute

Russell R. "Russ" Hahn 

September 19, 1943 - December 2, 2024 

Russell R. Hahn, 81, passed away December 2, 2024, in Sayer, PA. Russ was born September 19, 1943, in Sutherland, NE to parents Raymond and Anna (Reitz) Hahn. He grew up on the family farm southwest of Paxton, NE and went to country grade schools. He attended high school at the University of Nebraska School of Agriculture (UNSA) at Curtis, NE graduating in 1960.

Russ received B.S. and M.S. degrees in agronomy and weed science in 1964 and 1968 respectively from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. In 1969 he moved to Texas where he was employed on the brush management project in the range lands at the Texas A&M University Research and Extension Center at Lubbock. This position ultimately took him to Bryan/College Station, Texas where he received a Ph.D. in weed science from Texas A&M University in 1974.

Russ joined the faculty of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY in March 1974 and retired in January 2017 after nearly 43 years. During his tenure at Cornell, he served as the extension weed specialist and conducted field research for field crop weed management in New York State. Russell was active in the Northeastern Weed Science Society (NEWSS) and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA). He served as president of NEWSS and was recognized with several awards from the regional society including being named a NEWSS Fellow. He served as an Associate Editor of the WSSA journal “Weed Technology”, received the WSSA Outstanding Extension Award, and was also named a Fellow of WSSA.

At Cornell, he was recognized with the Research and Extension Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Extension/Outreach from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He was very proud of being recognized on two occasions by the NY State Association of County Agricultural Agents for his dedication and service to the field crop producers across NY State. One of his favorite lines was simply this, “So many weeds, so little time”. He will be remembered as the “Weed Warrior” across Upstate NY and for his humor, integrity, and practical orientation. A colleague, and professor of plant pathology was quoted as saying “Russ is the face of Cornell Cooperative Extension to many of the state’s field crop producers”.

Aside from his professional responsibilities, Russ took pride in the development of a seven-acre wooded lot with a gorge, stream, and small waterfall in the country near West Groton, NY. He served as general contractor for the construction of his home and worked closely with landscapers to install perennial beds with numerous Hosta varieties, herbaceous and tree peonies, various types of iris, along with other perennials. This place served as a retreat from the world of weed science.

Despite Russ’ many accomplishments, he was a humble man and an incredible Uncle. The relationship with Mark, Brenda and family was a very special one. He bestowed much knowledge along with a great sense of humor and wit, which will be greatly missed. He also maintained many special friendships from his days at Curtis, the University of Nebraska/Burr Hall, Texas A & M and Cornell University. Those friendships continued to be a blessing during his many years in nursing homes and facilities for which the family will forever be grateful. A special thank you to Paul Stachowski, Russ’s first graduate student, who was like a son to Russ and Jenn Thomas-Murphy, who Russ loved like a daughter. If you were a friend to Russ, please know that you were greatly loved.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and sister-in-law, Harlon and Barb; and his nephew Brent Hahn. He is survived by his nephew and wife, Mark and Brenda Hahn of Paxton; great-nieces Taylor Philpot and husband, Tyler of Lincoln and Brylie DuPeire and husband, Tristan of Ogallala; Great-Great nieces Payton Philpot, Harley DuPeire, and Bailey DuPeire; and many cousins.

Memorials will be directed to the “Russell R. Hahn Memorial Weed Science Scholarship Fund”. To honor the life and legacy of Russ, this scholarship supports students in their college years, helping them achieve their educational goals in the field of weed science. It aims to foster the same passion and dedication that Russell exemplified throughout his career.

Services will be held Thursday, February 13th at 11:00 am at Hopshire Farm & Brewery (1771 Dryden Rd, Freeville, NY) with lunch to follow. Burial of cremains and graveside services will be held April 5th at 11:00 am MT at Paxton Cemetery, Paxton, NE with lunch to follow at Paxton Activities Club.