Obituaries
Germaine M Zahn
Dec. 17, 1936 - Jan. 14, 2026 - Hilbert, WI
Funeral Service
Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026
11:00 am
43 N. 3rd St.
Hilbert, WI 54129
Funeral Visitation
Friday, Jan. 23, 2026
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
411 W Main St.
Chilton, WI
Funeral Visitation
Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026
9:30 am - 10:45 am
43 N. 3rd St.
Hilbert, WI 54129
Burial Service
Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026
12:30 pm
North Madison St.
Chilton, WI 53014
Germaine M Zahn
Hilbert WI
Germaine Zahn, age 89, of Hilbert, died on January 14, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. She was born December 17, 1936, daughter of the late Eldred and Aurelia Knoespel. On June 25, 1955, she married Randolph “Randy” Zahn; and together they had a son, Brian.
Germaine was the backbone of her family helping support her husband Randy in his many roles in the Hilbert community and Calumet County as well as rearing their son. In addition, she worked part time alongside her brother Vern at Vern’s Cheese for nearly 40 years. After retirement, she continued to be active, working as a crossing guard for the Hilbert school district for many years. Her hobbies included gardening, feeding and watching the birds in her yard as well as watching all Wisconsin sports. Her love of sports and the children of the community kept her busy until her death, frequently attending many high school sporting events to support her Hilbert Wolves. She was a huge Packers fan attending in excess of over 250 games during her lifetime. When she was 88-years old she managed to hit the Wisconsin trifecta, seeing a Bucks, Brewers, and Packers game in person with her son and family.
Germaine is survived by her son: Brian (Sandra) Zahn; grandchildren: Eric (Giselle Sankey) Zahn, Jake Zahn, Devin Tomczak, and Davis Tomczak; and sisters-in-law: Edith Knoespel and Charlene August. She is further survived by her godson Kurt (Maddie) Knoespel and many special nieces and nephews.
Germaine was preceded in death by her husband, Randy; parents: Eldred and Aurelia; brothers: Vern Knoespel and Floyd Knoespel; and in-laws: Wallace (Cordia) Zahn, Bill August, and Minerva (Eldor) Behnke.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at St. Peter Lutheran Church (43 N. 3rd St.) in Hilbert. Friends may call from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm on Friday, January 23, at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton, and again from 9:30 am until 10:45 am at the church on the day of service. Germaine will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Chilton after the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for the Hilbert Wolves Athletic Boosters.
At the time of service and following, there will be a link available for those wishing to watch a memorial video, or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family, on their website page provided through wietingfuneralhome.com
Condolences
When I saw this beautiful picture of your mother, grandmother: I immediately placed her in the context of our Hilbert community! I am a 2010 Hilbert high school graduate so I recognize this face from many years with Hilbert athletics and as the crossing guard that she was. What an honorable devotion she had to her community! Praying for your peace without her.
Whitney Krueger Kees (Hilbert native ) 2026-01-27 12:28:36
My condolences to Germaine's family. I enjoyed working with Germaine at Vern's
Gerald Bartel (Co-worker ) 2026-01-26 12:20:33
Germaine was a special person to me when I was young. As the years went by we kept in touch by sending Christmas cards. She will always hold a special place in my heart. Sending sympathy to her family.
Linda Broyles (Hintz) (god daughter) 2026-01-24 09:05:47
Dear Brian, and entire family. We'll not be able to attend her funeral, just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, along with our deepest sympathy. Though she hasen't been to the cabin, we will miss her phone visits. We'll miss her alot, but treasure our memories of a wonderful neighbor. ??
Linda and Gerry (Neighbor, and dear friend) 2026-01-23 09:35:21
Sympathy to Germaine‘s family, I always enjoyed seeing her, she always had a smile on her face. She will be missed in Hilbert.!
Sandy Schumacher (Friend) 2026-01-22 07:37:02
condolences to the family, Germaine was a great person she set many of my routes at Vern's Cheese over the years she will be missed ???? ????
Dale Hintz (Friend) 2026-01-21 14:38:50
Brian John and I sending our sympathies to you and your family. We enjoyed looking through your photos. She was a loved lady, lucky you to have such a sweet mother.
Michelle & John (Friends if Brian’s ) 2026-01-21 08:23:05
I worked with Germaine at Vern's Cheese. We girls had a great time and it didn't seem like work!! She was a great friend and if we weren't down in St. Louis for the bb season I would attend her funeral. Sympathy to Brian & family and Knoespel family.
Jo Anne Juckem (Friend) 2026-01-20 15:41:33
Edith and her family--- so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister-in-law and aunt. She is now up in heaven Vern. May she rest in peace
karen pingel swonger (friend) 2026-01-20 10:27:01
My deepest sympathy to Germaine's family. Germaine was my "other" Mother. When my Mom couldn't find me as a kid, she knew I was by Germaine. I enjoyed all my visits with Germaine talking about birds and Brewers. Germaine taught me how to play Yahtzee too. A game I still play today. She will be greatly missed.
Jen (Seidl) VanderSande (Family friend ) 2026-01-19 16:46:39
Germaine and I were in the homemakers club together and had good memories. We have many happy memories from time spent with Randy and Germaine on the Townsend flowage Because of them we bought our cottage We also had our camping group that was so much fun. Germaine was a dedicated walker through hilbert she was an inspiration to all of us Germaine had a life well spent
Dale and Kathy ott (Friends) 2026-01-19 12:28:11
Sympathy to all of Germaine's family, especially the Knoespels. She meant so much to them. May she rest in peace, joining her brother Vern, in God's Heavenly Home.
Connie Stoychoff-Waldvogel (Friend of family) 2026-01-18 10:06:08
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