George Zahn

George Zahn was a lifelong outdoorsmen who loved fishing and hunting, and often enjoyed doing both along the Huron River in the Ann Arbor area. A Christian man, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

The year 1914 will forever be remembered as the year that launched the world into the depths of the First World War. Following the assassination of the Arch Duke Ferdinand of Austria, Austria declared war on Serbia; Germany on Russia and France; and Britain on Germany. Despite the trying times, for Christian and Pauline (Gall) Zahn of Northfield Township, Michigan there was reason to celebrate as they welcomed their son George into their family on October 3rd of that same year.

Growing up as one of nine children, George was never without a playmate. Together he and his siblings enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors. In the 1920’s they would hunt near Lake George in Northern Michigan. When his family moved from Northfield Township to Ann Arbor, they made the trek by horse and wagon.

After arriving at their new home, the Zahn children soon found a slew of new activities to entertain themselves with. Since he loved spending time outdoors, one of George’s favorite wintertime adventures was bobsledding down the Broadway Hill in Ann Arbor.

Growing up, George attended Donevan Elementary School on Maiden Lane. After completing elementary school he continued his educational career at Jones Junior High, which is now known as Community High School. At a time when many young men were leaving high school after the tenth grade, George continued school and eventually graduated from Ann Arbor High School. During his time in high school, George was known to be smart, but also athletic. A talented and dedicated runner, he received a varsity letter in Cross Country and Track.

After graduating, George met a young woman named Lorena Kalmbach. Soon the couple fell in love, and following a traditional courtship the two were married on November 24, 1937 at Bethlehem Church in Ann Arbor. During their 66 years of marriage, the couple raised three sons Larry, Douglas, and William. With his strong Christian values, George imparted his faith to his children. As a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, he encouraged his kids to attend church as well. Because George’s favorite place on earth was Mesick, Michigan he was elated to be a founding member of Faith Lutheran Church in Mesick.

Following George’s retirement, he enjoyed spending time relaxing and enjoying the things he loved. While he enjoyed living in Ann Arbor and Mesick, Michigan during the summer, he spent his winters in Largo, Florida. While in Largo he enjoyed singing in the church choir and spending time with his beloved wife. George was often happiest when he was at home, where he could tinker and fix things. Much to Lorena’s chagrin, he sometimes fixed things that did not need to be fixed! As the years passed, the couple began to enjoy their time together more and more, and no matter where they traveled or what activities they enjoyed together, one of George’s favorites remained enjoying boiled dinners of corned beef and sauerkraut with his wife.

After 89 years of a life filled with love, family, and God, George E. Zahn passed away on August 13, 2004 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor at the age of 89. He is survived by is wife of 66 years Lorena (Kalmbach). He is also survived by three sons, Larry (Debi) and Douglas (Meredith) of Dexter, MI, and William (Meredith) of Greensboro, NC. Additional survivors include six grandchildren, Dana Zahn of Salisbury, MD, Christopher (Kimberly) Zahn of Manchester, MI, Erik (Allison Ikemori) Zahn of Seattle, WA, Angela (David) Donaldson of Fort Wayne, IN, Bronson Sippola of Royal Oak, MI, and Brian (Avor) Zahn of Ypsilanti, MI. George is also survived by nine great grandchildren and two sisters, Edna Streufert of Naperville, IL and Mabel Webb of Saline, MI. George was predeceased by two sisters and four brothers, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

The family will receive friends at the Nie Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Rd. on Monday, August 16, 2004 from 5-8 pm. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 17, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 420 W. Liberty St. Ann Arbor, MI at 11:00 am with Rev. Donald Neuendorf officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or to St. Joseph Mercy Hospice, 806 Airport Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Please visit George’s personal web page at Lifestorynet.com where you can read his full lifestory, send flowers, make a memorial contribution, or share a memory.

Though George will be greatly missed, his family and friends can find comfort in the words of his favorite Bible passage; the 23rd Psalm: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anoitest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of LORD for ever.”