Joan Zahrt

Joan Zahrt, age 89, of Wausau, was called to eternal life on Monday, March 8, 2021, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Joan was born on April 3, 1931, in the Town of Scott to the late Herbert and Rose (Schult) Kleinschmidt.  She was baptized on April 25, 1931, and then confirmed in her Christian faith on April 2, 1944; both at St John’s Lutheran Church in Hamburg.  A 1948 graduate of Merrill High School, Joan pursued secretarial school in Milwaukee.  She was employed as an Executive Secretary at Hoffers Paint and Glass for most of her career.

She married Merlin H. Zahrt on September 4, 1965, also at her home church, St. John’s, Hamburg. Joan was a wonderful wife to Merlin and a devoted mother to Kristine and Lowell.  She was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church for over 50 years.  She regularly attended Bible class and volunteered at Bethesda Thrift Shop for more than 20 years.

Proud of her German heritage, Joan excelled at Genealogy projects and always shared the wealth of knowledge she had learned.  Joan enjoyed reading and completing crossword puzzles.  She crocheted many afghans for her family and friends.  Important to her was the time spent traveling, including three trips to Europe to trace her ancestry.  Merlin and Joan traveled across 49 of the 50 states and especially enjoyed spending time at the family cottage on Manson Lake pontooning, fishing, and relaxing with a game of Scrabble.  She loved her family more than words can express.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Merlin Zahrt, Wausau; children, Kristine (Thomas) Schult, Wausau, and Lowell (Diane) Zahrt, Wausau; grandchildren, Alicia Schult, Dustin Zahrt, Jordan Schult, and Ashley Schult; as well as great-grandchildren, Hunter, Bella, Alijah, Alexa, Isaiah, Evelyn, Ava, and Jacob.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Jim Kleinschmidt.

“Well done, well done, my good and faithful one.  Welcome to the place where you belong!”

The funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Avenue, Wausau.  Rev. Timothy Smith will officiate.  Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.  Private interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church & School.

You may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com