George Zahn
Oct 3rd 1914 - Aug 13th 2004
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Craig Oldenburg
June 7th 2005
Mr. Zahn's love for his cabin near Mesick, Michigan, was a love shared by others. I think I first met George Zahn (he was always Mr. Zahn to me) when I was in my early teens (the mid-1970's I think). We owned the cabin down the road from his. As best as I recall, as soon as we would start a project of sorts somehow Mr. Zahn would always show up. I suspect because he loved two things: tinkering and people. When I was alone at our cabin working on plumbing or roofing or whatever, he would always come down the road to see how I was doing and coach me in my project. He gave me courage to try. After I left for college I would come back much less frequently, but when I did I would always take a trek down to the Zahn's and they were ALWAYS happy to see me. When I got married I happen to marry someone from Largo, Florida. When we all realized that my in-laws and the Zahn's lived just about a mile apart in the winter, I was able to make it a habit to run over and spend time with them...once again, they were always happy to see my wife and me. The last time I visited with George we finally played that long awaited golf game together. I don't remember the scores or who won. I only remember the friendship and the value he placed in time with me. As I write this I realize that I did not just have a friend and mentor, but a living lesson on the value of people and of living out our faith together in Jesus. It has been a good journey. This is a hole in my life but not one that will last forever.
nancy shimek
June 7th 2005
George was a man that I will never forget. His
faith so strong that nothing could shake it; hi
beliefs were solid and a guiding force for he
and lovely Lorena.
George was so handy and always carried his
tools in his car trunk. He could fix anything!!
As far as energy and vitality goes, George was
never in need of a break-- he could out work,
paint, and mow faster than people a fraction of
his age. How I admired him. When I needed
another person for a skit for VBS, George came
to the rescue. He made a dandy fellow on
safari, as well as a helium balloon filler, painter
and partner when he and I steam-cleaned the
fellowship hall carpet.
He always inquired about my husband and our
two children, and gave his regards to them.
He was generous and kind and will be greatly
missed. I cherish the last visit he and Lorena
made to Mesick in June. He gave great hugs
and encouragement and always had time to
listen. I was blessed to have known such a
fine Christian.
Nancy Shimek
Sheila Koeder Bornemeier
June 7th 2005
Mine is not a memory, but my son
lives in Ann Arbor, saw this obit and
referred me to this website.
I am so sorry for the loss of your
husband, father and grandfather.
George and my grandfather,
Theophil Markus Koeder were first
cousins.
I have an extensive genealogical
database, and was very interested to
read about my relatives. If anyone
would be interested in talking with
me in the future about George and
his family, I would love that.
My thoughts and prayers are with you
all.
Sheila Koeder Bornemeier
Schmick & Jedel
June 7th 2005
Good to see you again George!
Julie (F.) Schneider-Burnes
June 7th 2005
"Uncle" George's infectious smile inviting you to stay a while and chat.
Pulling a coin out of my ear at Grandma Helen's house at Barton Drive and Pontiac Trail when I was a kid.
All the family reunions.
Craig Oldenburg
June 7th 2005
Mr. Zahn's love for his cabin near Mesick, Michigan, was a love shared by others. I think I first met George Zahn (he was always Mr. Zahn to me) when I was in my early teens (the mid-1970's I think). We owned the cabin down the road from his. As best as I recall, as soon as we would start a project of sorts somehow Mr. Zahn would always show up. I suspect because he loved two things: tinkering and people. When I was alone at our cabin working on plumbing or roofing or whatever, he would always come down the road to see how I was doing and coach me in my project. He gave me courage to try. After I left for college I would come back much less frequently, but when I did I would always take a trek down to the Zahn's and they were ALWAYS happy to see me. When I got married I happen to marry someone from Largo, Florida. When we all realized that my in-laws and the Zahn's lived just about a mile apart in the winter, I was able to make it a habit to run over and spend time with them...once again, they were always happy to see my wife and me. The last time I visited with George we finally played that long awaited golf game together. I don't remember the scores or who won. I only remember the friendship and the value he placed in time with me. As I write this I realize that I did not just have a friend and mentor, but a living lesson on the value of people and of living out our faith together in Jesus. It has been a good journey. This is a hole in my life but not one that will last forever.
nancy shimek
June 7th 2005
George was a man that I will never forget. His
faith so strong that nothing could shake it; hi
beliefs were solid and a guiding force for he
and lovely Lorena.
George was so handy and always carried his
tools in his car trunk. He could fix anything!!
As far as energy and vitality goes, George was
never in need of a break-- he could out work,
paint, and mow faster than people a fraction of
his age. How I admired him. When I needed
another person for a skit for VBS, George came
to the rescue. He made a dandy fellow on
safari, as well as a helium balloon filler, painter
and partner when he and I steam-cleaned the
fellowship hall carpet.
He always inquired about my husband and our
two children, and gave his regards to them.
He was generous and kind and will be greatly
missed. I cherish the last visit he and Lorena
made to Mesick in June. He gave great hugs
and encouragement and always had time to
listen. I was blessed to have known such a
fine Christian.
Nancy Shimek
Sheila Koeder Bornemeier
June 7th 2005
Mine is not a memory, but my son
lives in Ann Arbor, saw this obit and
referred me to this website.
I am so sorry for the loss of your
husband, father and grandfather.
George and my grandfather,
Theophil Markus Koeder were first
cousins.
I have an extensive genealogical
database, and was very interested to
read about my relatives. If anyone
would be interested in talking with
me in the future about George and
his family, I would love that.
My thoughts and prayers are with you
all.
Sheila Koeder Bornemeier
Schmick & Jedel
June 7th 2005
Good to see you again George!
Julie (F.) Schneider-Burnes
June 7th 2005
"Uncle" George's infectious smile inviting you to stay a while and chat.
Pulling a coin out of my ear at Grandma Helen's house at Barton Drive and Pontiac Trail when I was a kid.
All the family reunions.