Walter John Zahn

Walter John Zahn, 87, passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2017 in Newburgh, Indiana. Walter was born on March 12, 1930, in East St. Louis, IL. He was the first born child of the late Anastasia (Dahm) and the late Randolph Zahn. Walter was raised in Belleville, Illinois. While attending St. Louis University, Walter studied chemistry, leading him into a career in adhesive formulation.

In 1949, Walter met and married the love of his life, Joan Budde. Married on December 28, 1949, Walter and Joan raised eight children. During this time, Walter pursued his career as a chemist, first working for Prestite in St. Louis and later moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to work for Thiem. In the early part of 1960, Walter and a group of fellow chemists and chemical engineers decided to form an adhesives company, centrally located in the mid-west.  Evansville, Indiana was the chosen location, and the new company, Uniseal Incorporated, was formed.  Initially, Walter served as the Research Director, and later, served as the President of the company for many years. Walter was extremely proud of this successful company which continues to thrive today.

For many years, Walter enjoyed being a member of the National Rabbit Breeders Association. He raised New Zealand Whites and eventually became a judge of this breed, traveling all over the country.

Walter was an avid golfer well into his 70s.  He scored five holes-in-one and was able to shoot his age several times. He also enjoyed bowling.

Walter’s greatest enjoyment was his time spent with Joan. He and Joan traveled extensively. In their later years, Walter did anything he could to make Joan happy and comfortable. Joan passed away on October 17, 2014, after 64 years of marriage.

Walter is survived by his eight children, Randy (Debbie), Terry (Linda), Kevin, Jack (Pam), Patti (Rod) Hicks, Jim (Janet), Stacy Smith, and Stephani (John) Catt; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Walter is survived by his sister, Betty Graham; his brother Bob (Judy); and his best friend, Mark Smith; and dog, Roxy. He also leaves behind a host of dear extended family and friends.

Mass of a Christian Burial will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, November 25, 2017, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel - A Family Tradition Funeral Home - 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville with Father Lowell Will officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Evansville.

Friends may call from 10 am until 1 pm, Saturday, November 25, 2017, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel - A Family Tradition Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to either St. Jude's Hospital for Children, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148 or St. Clement Catholic Church, 422 E. Sycamore St., Boonville, IN 47601.

Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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