Kenneth Arthur Zorn

Kenneth A. Zorn
November 13, 1926 – November 9, 2019
Kenneth Arthur Zorn, 92, Phillips, found his peace on Saturday, November 9, 2019, at the Northern Lights Healthcare Center, Washburn, WI.
He was born on November 13, 1926, in Elkhart Lake, WI, the son of Arthur J. and Martha E. (Hoehl) Zorn. He spent his early life in southeastern Wisconsin and Illinois before his family settled in Catawba, WI, in the 1930’s to operate a cheese factory. He graduated from Phillips High School in 1944
He married the love of his life Mary Lou Young on February 3, 1951, at St. Patrick’s Church in Phillips. They resided in Phillips and enjoyed 65 years together until Mary Lou’s passing on September 23, 2016.
He started his career as a cheesemaker in the family business while in high school. He later moved to Superior, WI, where he worked for Eddie’s Bakery. He entered the military in 1949, serving in the U.S. Army, 5th Army Area Headquarters at Fort Knox, KY.
He returned to his home in Catawba in 1950 and again worked in the family cheese factory. He and his brothers eventually took over the business from their parents and operated it as the Catawba Cheese Factory until 1985. He and Mary Lou also owned and operated Surety Abstract Co. in Phillips.
After his retirement, he and Lou enjoyed spending the winter months on Florida’s Gulf Coast where they met many wonderful friends. They also enjoyed spending as much time as possible with their families in various parts of the country.
He enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams including the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers, and traveling to San Francisco to take in Giants games. He particularly enjoyed celebrating or cursing the results of the latest Packers game with his special niece Mary Kay Young. He enjoyed playing golf but was happiest when he was fishing on Long Lake or pulling his grandkids behind “Grandpa’s fast boat.”
Nothing brought him more joy or was more important to him than his family. He was an understanding and kind-hearted son, husband, father, father-in-law, grandpa, great-grandpa, and uncle. He provided patient counsel and unwavering support to his family at all times. He greatly cherished his grandchildren and enthusiastically supported them in all of their endeavors. His home was open to all. He warmly and graciously welcomed friends from near and far.
His unconditional love and support for his family and his kindness to all will be his lasting legacy. He will be deeply missed by his family and many lifelong friends.
He was a member of St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, Phillips, and of the Knights of Columbus Fr. John Patrick Slowey Council 2963. He served on the Phillips City Council, was a member and officer of the Phillips Lions Club, and served as President of the local American Field Service chapter, welcoming 1968-69 foreign exchange student Elias Antonio Yunes from Brazil as another son and later mentoring other exchange students at Phillips High School.
He is survived by three sons: Daniel K. (Hazel) Zorn, Oklahoma City, OK, Thomas M. (Marcos Cruz) Zorn, San Francisco, CA, and James E. (Rebecca Campbell) Zorn, Ashland, WI; by four grandchildren: Paul (Jennifer), Graham (Erika), Philip (Brigette), and Rachel (Karthik); by three great-grandchildren: Savannah Mary Lou, Zachary, and Fiona; by sisters-in-law Louise Zorn, Marion Young, and Caryl A. Young; and by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Lou, his two brothers Leslie Zorn and Niles Zorn, and one sister Arlene (Zorn) Greismeyer.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, Phillips, with Father Madanu Lourdu Raju officiating. Inurnment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, Phillips. Friends may call at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
The family suggests sending memorial contributions in Ken’s honor to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice.
The Heindl Funeral Home, Phillips, is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.heindlfuneralhome.com.