Obituary of Donald Karl Zahn

Dr. Donald Karl Zahn was taken suddenly by his heavenly Father on Friday, November 20th.Dr. Zahn, as he was known by many, was born in Sullivan, Wisconsin on April 5th, 1942 to Walter and Ethel (Kummerow).�� He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1960.� Continuing his education; Don obtained his Bachelor�s degree in Education from UW-Whitewater in 1964, his Master�s degree from Northern Arizona University in 1969, and finally his Doctorate in Education from the University of Montana in 1972. His teaching career started at New London (WI) in 1964, teaching Business Education and coaching the Bulldog�s wrestling team until 1968.� In New London he met his future wife of 49 years, Louella Badzinski who was teaching English and Spanish.� They were married on May 21, 1966 in Thorp, WI. Don taught business at UW Eau Claire from 1969-1971.� After receiving his doctorate, he worked for the Department of Public Instruction in Madison and Innovative Curriculum in Georgia before finding his home at UW Whitewater in 1978.� Dr. Zahn had a distinguished career at Whitewater; �teaching various business courses, starting up a computer lab, developing the on-line MBA program, and serving as Associate Dean of the College of Business.� His UW career culminated in one of his proudest accomplishments as project manager for the new College of Business and Economics Hyland Hall in 2011.� Dr. Zahn hung up his business suits for good in August 2011 after 33 years of service. Rarely asking for help, but always willing to help he was an eternal Optimist. �Don was a lifetime member of the UW-Whitewater Optimist Club. ��Don served many positions with the club, including President.� He could be seen in the community working Breakfast with Santa, serving gyros at the 4th of July celebration, or most notably guarding the visitor�s locker room at all home Warhawk football games. Apart from his devout faith in God as a Missouri Synod Lutheran with Living Savior Church (formerly Calvary Lutheran � UW Whitewater) Don held his family closest to his heart.� He took great pride in his children and grandchildren, supporting all of their busy activities.� The Zahn extended family travelled often to follow the UW-Whitewater Football team including several trips to Virginia to the national championship games.� We will miss the �Big Red Van� in the Perkins Stadium parking lot. Don had a �green thumb� as an avid gardener who spent countless hours grooming his home backyard grounds and gardens.� He was an extensive reader, favoring suspense thrillers and mysteries.� He also liked hunting and fishing, and relished his annual Canadian fishing trip with brothers-in-law, sons, nephews, and grandson. Dr. Zahn was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, sister Phyllis and brother Walter.� He is survived by his wife Louella, sons Shane (Amy Marshall) of Whitewater, Travis (Marisa Piper) of Whitewater, daughter Sally (Kevin Heckert) of Whitewater, grandchildren Scott, Isabelle, Emily, Celine, Allison, and Trenten, along with many in-laws, nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the family for the establishment of a Dr. Zahn scholarship fund for Whitewater high school students wishing to pursue a degree in Business from UW-Whitewater. Visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Monday, November 23, 2015 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI 53190 and after 10AM on Tuesday until the time of the services at St. Patrick�s. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at 11:00AM at St. Patrick Catholic church, 1225 W. Main St. Whitewater, WI with Rev. David Emmrich and Deacon Hector Villarreal officiating.