Obituary: Wallace “Wally” Zahn

Wallace “Wally” Zahn, age 94, of Rantoul, died on Friday, March 22, 2024 at Sycamore Senior Living in Kiel.  

He was born August 20, 1929 in the Town of Rantoul, son of the late Arno & Eleanora (Dallmann) Zahn.  Wallace married Cordia Minerva (Stecker) Klessig in the Summer of 1986 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Rantoul.  

Wally farmed on the family homestead much of his life, and when he was done with chores on the farm, he painted all throughout the area.  He even took great pride in painting the chancel at his beloved Trinity Lutheran Church.  

He was a lifelong, faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Rantoul and was always open to sharing God’s blessings with others.  He never complained about anything and often went about his day knowing he was accomplishing everything “with the Lord’s help”, which was one of his favorite phrases.  He also appreciated moments spent in his card clubs playing Sheepshead and never passed up a good meal.  Wallace will always be remembered as a man who continually kept a smile on his face with a toothpick in his mouth and a faithful dog on his lap because that was the way that he liked it best.

Survivors include his step-children:  Tom Klessig, Paul Klessig and his special friend, Mary Jesko, Joel Klessig and his special friend, Jean Green, John (Janet Riebe) Klessig; son-in-law: Steve Schroth; grandchildren: Laura Runge and Sara (Dan Craigie) Schroth; his great grandchildren: Adela and Cora; a sister: Charlene August; a sister-in-law: Germaine Zahn; and a brother-in-law: Orville Stecker.  He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Cordia; a step-daughter: Kim Schroth; a sister: Minerva (Eldor) Behnke; a brother: Randy Zahn; a sisters-in-law: Rosaline Stecker, Verona (Edgar) Klessig; and a brothers-in-law: William August, Vernon (Arlene) Stecker.

Funeral service will be at 11:30 am on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Rantoul (N6081 W. River Road, Hilbert, WI) with Rev. Brett Simek officiating.  Burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Rantoul.  A time of visitation will be held at church from 9:30 am until 11:15 am on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available at wietingfuneralhome.com for those wishing to watch a live stream or archived recording of the service, watch a memorial video, or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.