Russell K. Zahm

Russell K. Zahm, age 94 of Viroqua and formerly of Delavan, WI. died Friday, April 4, 2008 Russell Keith Zahm, age 94, of Darien/ Viroqua, Wisconsin passed on Friday evening in the care of the Vernon Manor in Viroqua. He was born on May 3, 1913 to Eugene and Mabel (Fiske) Zahm on a farm west of Darien, Wisconsin where he lived and farmed until 1963. Russell married Marcella (Coon) on June 21st, 1941 and they shared a life together and raised three children: Glenda (Robert Sullivan) of Ontario, Wisconsin; Linda (Michael Henthorn) of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Jon (Rebecca) Zahm of La Farge, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his wife Marcella who succumbed to cancer in 1993. Russell worked for the Libbys Corporation for 13 years and served on the Board of the Federal Land Bank of St. Paul for 16 years. He served on the Darien Town Board for 32 years and was a devoted member to the Darien Baptist Church. He took great pride in serving on the Darien Cemetery Board for 34 years. After official "retirement", Russell and his good friend George Randall mowed lawns for residents of Walworth County. He spent his summers mowing and his winters crafting signs for homes and businesses from his basement workshops, which "kept him busy and gave him something to do." Russell was also an active Freemason (1937) in good standing in both the Southern Lakes Lodge No. 12 of Delavan and La Belle Lodge No. 84 of Viroqua and lived his life by the creed of the masons. In 2007, he was awarded for holding the title of master mason for 70 years by his respective chapters. Russell always believed that the Lord was on his side, and said that if it were otherwise he would have never made it in life. His faith gave him the strength to never quit the task at hand- be it farming, a game of cards, being at his wifes side during her death, enduring open heart surgery, or moving from Delavan to Viroqua to be closer to his children. After his open heart surgery in 1994, Russell became an avid walker, totaling enough miles to walk across the entire United States. His determination and faith carried him throughout his life. Russell is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marcella, his brother Eugene Zahm, his sister Kathryn Florey, and his grandson Michael Van Hees. He is survived by his three children, six grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and his devoted friend, Ruth Newcomb. The celebration of the life of Russell Zahm will commence on Wednesday, April 9th at the First Baptist Church of Delavan, with visitation hours from 4 pm to 7pm, and a funeral service following. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 10th at 10:00 am at the Darien Cemetery. He will be deeply missed by his friends and family. Betzer Funeral Home. (262) 728-2500 The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family locally.