Nikki Jo (Turner) Hahn fought a lionhearted battle with cancer, conquered death, and ran swiftly into the arms of her sweet Jesus January 22, 2020. Her legacy of finding joy in the journey, taking hold of hope, and loving unconditionally will live on in those who were blessed to have known Nikki.
Nikki was born August 16, 1973 to Richard and Patricia Turner at Cottage Hospital in Galesburg, Illinois. She was raised in Oneida, Illinois and attended ROWVA Schools, where she was the senior class homecoming queen, graduating high school in 1991. Nikki’s desire and passion to work with children led her to pursue a degree in elementary education at Illinois State University, graduating in 1995. On June 7, 1997, Nikki married Eric Hahn at Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg.
Shortly after her college graduation, Nikki began her career in education as a classroom aide in the ROWVA Pre-K program from 1996-1997. In 1997 Nikki married Eric and moved to Taylorville, Illinois, where she began her career in early childhood education with the Lighthouse Learning Center and eventually her own school classroom at Visionway Christian School. Eric and Nikki moved to Iowa City, Iowa in 1999 where Nikki worked as an aide, worked at Lemstone Christian Books, and eventually started having babies in 2000. In 2007, Nikki and Eric moved to Hudson, Wisconsin where Nikki taught at Bethel Highlands Preschool. The Hahn family moved to Eureka, Illinois in 2015 where Nikki taught kindergarten at Metamora Grade School from 2016 to the present. Joy, compassion, laughter, and grace were just a few of the many qualities Nikki wove into the days spent with her students.
Jonah, Isaiah, Hannah, and Eli are the beautiful blessings that made Nikki “Momma”. She circulated between many a stadium and gym to encourage and cheer for not only her children, but also her nieces and nephews as they pursued their interests. Nieces and nephews adored their Aunt Nikki and valued the time she spent painting their nails, braiding hair, going to the pool, and playing games together.
To know Nikki is to not only love her, but appreciate her passions and gifts she shared throughout her life. Nikki rarely turned down an invitation to scrapbook with friends or family, often making beautiful scrapbooks to give as gifts. She found joy in creating music by singing in church or playing the piano through the years. She had a gift of pampering friends with manicures and words of encouragement to love them through difficult times. Nikki rarely passed on a hot game of pitch or a pick up volleyball game, especially during their annual family New Year’s celebrations. Nikki could often be found redecorating her home or helping her husband with a remodeling project.
Nikki is survived by her husband, Eric and their children Jonah, Isaiah, Hannah and Eli of Eureka; her parents, Dick and Pat Turner of Oneida; her siblings, Ari (Todd) Henderson of Hudson, Iowa, Jami (Brian) McGarry of Wataga, Illinois, and Jon (Jasmin) Turner of Williams Bay, Wisconsin. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her grandparents
A worship service to celebrate and honor the life of Nikki will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Bethel Baptist Church, 1196 Academy Street, Galesburg. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to an education fund for her children. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
