Joanne Zahn

Joanne (Kopplin) Zahn, age 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Wausau Manor on April 18, 2025.

Joanne was born on July 27, 1935, to Irma and Franklin Kopplin in the town of Stettin, where she was raised and attended school. She met Charles Zahn, and they were united in marriage on June 9, 1956. They lived in the town of Maine and ran Falcon Valley Farm until their retirement. Joanne worked for Citizens bank, Tower Credit Union, and People's State Bank while helping run the farm and raising their two children- Steve and Deb. As she was nearing retirement from People's bank, she began to lead their Advantage 55 club and organized and led tours and trips for groups. When that program ended, her love for her trips had just begun, so she set off on her own and started 'Joanne's fun tours.' She created quite a following and found her trips filling up quickly. Her trips took her near and far and allowed her to see and enjoy countless destinations.

Joanne's social calendar was quite full when she wasn't traveling. She was involved in: Homemakers, Red Hat Society and numerous card clubs. She and Charlie also enjoyed dancing, and she even found time to join a bowling league. She was also an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in the town of Maine, having served on many boards and held many different positions.

Joanne's true pride and joy was her family, and she was the number 1 cheerleader for her grandkids and rarely missed a game or any event where she could show her support. She was very proud of her grandchildren. She truly loved the yearly trip to Florida with her family where so many memories were made. She was also proud to be Mom #2 to many of her kid's friends, and 'Grandma O-Jan' to many of her grandkid's friends. Even with her busy schedule, she always made sure to carve out time to be home during canning season, as her famous dill pickles were in high demand from all who ever tasted them!

Joanne is survived by her children: Steve Zahn and Deb Maley, her grandchildren: Ashlee (Andy) VanDerGeest, Nick (Emma Sievers) Maley, Justin (Julia) Zahn and Alex Zahn, the light of her life, great-granddaughter: Addi VanDerGeest, sister: Lorraine Wiederhoeft, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Charles, parents: Irma and Franklin Kopplin, mother-in-law and father-in-law: Elsie and Harry Zahn, son-in-law: Todd Maley, daughter-in-law: Pam Zahn, sister: Mary Ellen Krueger, brothers-in-law: Stanley Wiederhoeft, Orville Krueger, and Clifford Zahn, and sister-in-law: Vicky Zahn.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 1st, at St. John's Lutheran Church in the Town of Maine. Visitation will be from 1pm-3pm, service at 3pm and burial to follow. A celebration of Joanne's life and luncheon will follow at Willow Springs. Memorials can be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Monica Howe for all the years of love, compassion and laughs she gave to our mom and grandma. Monica was a bright spot in her day. Another special thank you to Lanette at Applegate Terrace for always going above and beyond.