Germaine Zahn

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