Wilfred "Bill" Dayton Zahnow

Wilfred Dayton Zahnow was born at home March 23, 1925 in Norwegian Township, Ottertail County, Minnesota, the son of William and Effie (Colness) Zahnow.  Bill was raised in the Fergus Falls area, where he attended school.  He served in United States Army during World War II from 1944 to 1946.  On July 19, 1951 he was united in marriage to Leona Elsie Van Loy in Minneota, Minnesota.  This union was blessed with 58 years together and seven children: Vernon, Karen, Patricia, Susan, David, Stephanie, and Paul.

Over the years he and Leona lived in Minneota, Canby, and Fergus Falls.  In 1964, they moved to Appleton, where Bill worked for Ottertail Power Company until his retirement in 1987.  Bill was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, VFW Post #4955, and American Legion Post #72.  He was also active with a horseshoe and bowling league, delivered meals-on-wheels, and was a volunteer driver for many years.  Bill enjoyed dirt track racing, NASCAR, playing cards, bingo, and board games (especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren).  He was very proud of receiving his G.E.D. on May 22, 1984.  Last, but not least, anyone that met Bill quickly learned that he loved to “shoot-the-bull”!

Bill passed away Monday, September 11, 2017 in Appleton Area Health Services –Care Center.  He attained 92 years, 5 months, and 19 days of age He is survived by his children: Vernon Zahnow of Loganville, GA, Karen Guenther of Minnetonka, Patricia Kohlman of Holloway, Susan Zahnow of Appleton, David Zahnow of Appleton, Stephanie (Brian) Mahoney of Waconia, and Paul Zahnow of Appleton; 6 grandchildren: Danielle Krupke, William  Stegner, Andrew Guenther, Breanna (Dustin) Grimm, Ben Mahoney, and Katie Kohlman; 6 great-grandchildren: Zachary and Alex Krupke, Mackenzie, Madysen, and Kennedy Stegner, and Kendall Guenther; sisters: Mertice Saurer of Fergus Falls, Donna Cavalier of St. Paul, and LuAnne Gackle of Frederic, WI; other relatives and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Leona in 2009; parents, William and Effie Zahnow; step-mother, Helen Kitchen Zahnow, sisters: Doris Zahnow, Elaine Peshek, Evelyn Niemuth, Vivian Anderson, and Lolly Gilbertson; brothers: Norman and Gene Zahnow.

Blessed be the memory of Wilfred “Bill” Zahnow.