William Lawrence Zahn

William Lawrence Zahn passed away peacefully Sunday, April 3, 2011 in Roy, MT, at the age of 69. He was born Aug. 6, 1941 in Lewistown, Fergus County, MT, to Wilbert August Zahn and Ava Mae Kauth.

After high school he worked on the Rindal Ranch as a wrangler, until Line Builders came to the area to build telephone lines. They hired him and his horse (Lady) to pull the telephone lines through the Missouri Breaks. After the job was completed he was offered permanent employment. It was during this time he met Shirleen Mitchell, and was later married in Missoula, MT, on Sept. 2, 1961. They were married for 23 years.

They travelled on line construction for the next five years. Over the course of his construction days they lived in 17 different places and several different states, including, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, North Dakota and Idaho. He always had a strong work ethic and knew the value of hard work. His boss, Max Curtis said "I wish I had ten hard workers like Willie."

When they were expecting their first child they decided they should settle down and stay in one place. He was hired by Idaho Power in American Falls in 1965. While in American Falls they were blessed with three wonderful children, Gwen Ella, Launa Lee and Guy William Zahn. He retired from Idaho Power in 1998.
He loved his children and grandchildren and spent many hours continuing doing the things they loved and celebrating birthdays and holidays. He took an active part attending his grandchildren's sports and activities. He was very proud of each and every one of them. He loved hunting and fishing and spent countless hours with his family doing this.

One thing William always enjoyed after his retirement was returning to his roots and helping his brother, sister-in-law and mother on the ranch in Montana. He loved the ranch and loved being there with his family.
He's had a special friend for the past several years, Carol Rausch and her children (Brenden Rausch, Raylene Green, and Rori Hilton) and her grandchildren. He spent much of his later years camping and hunting and fishing with Carol and her family.

William is survived by his children: Gwen Ella (Martin) King, Launa Lee (Evan) Snow, and Guy William (Brandi) Zahn; his grandchildren, Madison King, Private Preston King USA Army, Baylee King, Jessie Justine Snow, Kylie Lee Snow, Sayli Rae Snow, Kelli Jo Zahn, Koy Mitchell Zahn; his mother Ava Mae Zahn; his sister Margie; and brother Hap.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wilbert August Zahn, and his grandparents.

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