Jennifer Lynn Zahn's Obituary
Jennifer (Jenni) Zahn, née Ansburg, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, David Zahn, Jenni will be missed by those who had the good fortune to know her.
Adoring mother of Sarah McShane (Matthew) and Andrew (Kathryn), beloved grandmother of Liam (21), David(19) Charlie (19) Matthew (16) and Emmett (15). Loving daughter to Francis and Lucille Ansburg and devoted sibling to Ronald (Beverly) Ansburg , Frederick (Patricia) Ansburg, Wallace (Grace) Ansburg, Anita Dixon (John), Diane Worth (Robert) and Judy Jensen (Paul).
Jenni was born in Hammond, Indiana and lived the majority of her life in Calumet City, IL. She attended Lincoln School and was a graduate of Thornton Fractional North, Class of 1966. Jenni was studying at the University of Evansville when she met her husband David while working at Bosacki’s in Minocqua, WI over summer break.
A consumate community volunteer, Jenni was a member of the Lady Lions, a democratic election judge, a Girl Scout mom, and a great supporter of St. Andrew the Apostle T.F. North, and the high schools and universities of her children and grandchildren, including Marquette University, Indiana University, University of South Florida, Xavier University, Loyola Academy and Berkeley Preparatory School. Her children never wondered if Jenni was in attendance at their games -- her whistle was clear as day. A successful Coldwell Banker realtor from 1987- 2010, Jenni's friendly demeanor and positive attitude made her a client favorite.
Although she was a successful businesswoman, Jenni was whole heartedly devoted to her family. Her ability to conjure amazing dinner parties and holiday extravaganzas was legendary. Friends and family alike were dazzled by the size of the crowds she could feed. Jenni”s most memorable annual event was Christmas Eve - her favorite day of the year. It was typical to see 50 people lined up for a Polaroid in front of the Christmas tree before heading to Midnight Mass.
Jenni’s generosity was beyond compare, and it wasn’t unusual for her to dote on neighbors and friends. She was an avid reader who prided herself on finishing Tolstoy's War and Peace and challenging others to competitive games of Scrabble or Words with Friends. Her smile was contagious and she brought her positive energy into every room she entered. Jenni enjoyed political banter and was a life long Democrat.
Her final years were spent in Bradenton, FL where she enjoyed spending time with friends and boat days on the water. Her real joy in life were her grandsons. She managed to spoil each of them equally and know precisely what their plans were on any given day.
Jenni will always be remembered for her kindness and giant spirit.
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