John L. Zahn

John (Jack) L. Zahn, 83, of Appleton passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2013 at home in the presence of his family supported by Affinity Visiting Nurses Hospice. Jack was born March 21, 1930 in Manitowoc to the late William and Leona (Burkart) Zahn. He graduated from Lincoln High School, Manitowoc, in 1948 and from U.W. Milwaukee in 1952 with a degree in Upper Elementary Education. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict from 1952 until 1954. Jack was married to Sharon J. Dietz on May 1, 1954 in Appleton. He taught in Shorewood, Wisconsin before returning to Appleton to join a family business.

Jack and Sharon raised six children during their married life together in Appleton. Together, they worked tirelessly to provide educational and experiential opportunities for their children at every turn of life. Jack had many passions and strongly espoused the land ethic of Aldo Leopold. Jack put his love of land and trees and water to work as a steward of several parcels of land in Wisconsin which he and Sharon owned. Jack's belief in the power of education to enhance the lives of youth guided much of his community and religious service. He contributed countless hours to the scholarship programs of Rotary International. He was a founding member of St. Pius X Catholic Church of Appleton and helped establish the first religious education classes at the Parish.

Survivors include his wife Sharon of Appleton; children Richard (Rosan), Stevens Point; Robert (Susan), Appleton; Lori (Jerry) Deering, Appleton; Gregory, Washington D.C.; James, Minneapolis, MN; and David, Washington D.C.; grandchildren Heather (Cory) Rosene, Molly (Peter Grund) Zahn, Theresa (Marc) Kueckmann; Sarah (Nathan) Seegert; Michael Zahn; Geoffrey Zahn, Eric Deering, Jack Zahn and Peter Zahn and six great grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his brothers William and Lyell.

A mass of resurrection will take place at 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 11, 2013 at St. Pius X Church, 500 West Marquette Street in Appleton. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. Online condolences may be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com

In lieu of flowers, plant a tree on your property, contribute to St. Pius X Church or give a tribute in memory of Jack Zahn to an educational or environmental charity of your choice.