Albert Louis Tschantz-Hahn Jr.
September 9, 1935 - December 2, 2025
Albert Tschantz-Hahn Jr., age 90 of Stockton, CA peacefully passed away in his home on December 2nd , 2025.
Albert (affectionately known as Buzz) was born in Oakland, CA on September 29th, 1935. He attended Lodi High School and went on to complete photography and art classes in college. He proudly served in the United States Army for 2 years from 1958-1960. He worked for California State Automobile Association as a Claims Specialist for over 30 years.
Buzz is survived by his loving wife Janice, two children Michael Tschantz-Hahn, Janine Tschantz-Hahn (Joe) and 3 stepchildren- Debbie Alter (Rod), Mark Womble and David Womble.
Grandpa (Papa Buzz) loved all of his grandkids and they loved him too!- Cole, Elsa, Alyse (Hugo), Jakob (Henley), Jordyn, Matthew (Erica), Andrew (Noel), Danny, Jeremy, Kayla (Zac), Kyle, Jenna, and great-grandkids- Caileigh, Leighton, Sophia, Jeremy Jr., Jayce, Payslee, Vivian, Colton, Wrenley, and Benny. It was always an exciting time for the grandkids to see what Papa Buzz was up to on the property that they could join in and “help”. He was very patient and made clean up and projects so much fun.
Buzz was predeceased by his parents, Albert L. Tschantz-Hahn and Ruth A. Vaughan of Stockton, CA. Buzz and Jan were high school sweethearts who parted ways and then rekindled their relationship after both divorced. They were married at the Wine & Roses Inn, Lodi, CA in 1990. Buzz frequently pulled out a picture of a young beautiful Jan from high school and shared the story of their high school breakup and then getting back together later in life. This merging of families allowed for many special family events and wonderful memories for all kids and grandkids.
Buzz and his golden retriever Goldie were well known around town. He trained Goldie as a service dog and dedicated so much time to regularly visiting convalescent facilities with her, which truly made a difference to the residents. You could also find them at the local dog parks, where Buzz loved to talk to random dog owners. He always had a good story, bringing smiles to all he met.
Buzz was skilled with numerous talents including photography, painting, jewelry making, crafts, welding, waterskiing, working on cars/motorcycles/boats, fly fishing and maintaining a beautiful yard. He was always eager to include and teach others what he knew, especially about photography, and took so much pleasure in seeing what they would create. He had a knack of seeing creatures in nature’s landscape and would photograph them. Sometimes we had to squint or turn the photo sideways to see what he saw, but ultimately, we’d agree.
He was a devoted father and loved to travel with his children. He retrofitted a van into a camper, and used that van to take Michael and Janine all over the Western U. S. for beach trips, camping adventures, BMX and motorcycle races. He also loved to be out on the water, taking his family and friends on countless boating and waterskiing adventures. He was the dad that was the envy of the neighborhood kids, always there with the garage open to help fix a bike or skateboard.
Buzz had an amazing team of caregivers over the last several years- Glenn, John, Maria, Andrew and Janette who all loved him and took very good care of him. He also received services from Bristol Hospice who provided many services from a great team of caring professionals. Our family wants to thank them all for many years of wonderful care, support and kindness.
Many neighbors knew Buzz and appreciated his friendship as a great neighbor.
Buzz, Dad, Papa Buzz, we will miss you!
Albert will be cremated and no services are planned at this time.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Tschantz-Hahn family.