Jack L. Zahler
May 14, 1950 - September 11, 2018
Obituary
MOUNT HOREB – Jack Lavern Zahler, age 68, of Mount Horeb, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, at Agrace HospiceCare in Janesville. He was born on May 14, 1950, the son of Kenneth and Viola (Gilbertson) Zahler. Jack was baptized and confirmed in the Zwingli United Church of Christ in Mount Vernon. He graduated from Mount Horeb High School in 1968. Jack was employed and drove truck for Cleary Building Corporation in Verona for 30 years and retired in 2013. Jack’s passion to hunt and fish were first and foremost in his life, and doing it with his best friends made it worth every minute (and story). The deer mounts he proudly displayed throughout his home all have a story, and if they could talk, we’d probably get the ‘real’ story. Jack shot his final buck in the cornfield next to his home, deer hunting season 2017. Jack truly was passionate for fastpitch softball and “For the Love of the Game.” He earned the name “The Legend” and could knock one out of ballpark at any given time, but the Mount Vernon Park was his favorite. Over the years, he played for several teams, traveled to several states and had a uniform for almost every day of the week. The friendships made during these years and across the miles were many. A Packers and Brewers fan at heart, Jack seldom missed watching a game and he always called one of his friends to make sure they saw the same ‘bad play’ or heard the same ‘bad call’ that he did. Jack is survived by his sister, Nancy Kay Riemenapp (George Johnson); brother, Terry L. (Denise) Zahler; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, James K. Zahler.
A Celebration of Life will be held at MOUNT VERNON FOREST OF FAME PARK from 11 a.m until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. Per Jack’s wishes, no visitation or funeral will be held. Please feel free to wear casual/Packers attire in Jack’s honor. Memorials may be made to family for designation at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson-Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 North 8th Street
608-437-5077
Events
Celebration of Life
Sun Sep 16, 2018 @ 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM CDT
Mount Vernon Forest of Fame Park • 1689 Washington Street, Mount Vernon, WI 53572
Photos
No photos of Jack have been shared yet.
Memories
JM
Jerry Metzger
Other •
I was very sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Although I hadn't seen Jack in some years, I remember playing fastpitch softball both with and against him in the early '70s. Over the years, when we'd occasionally, bump into each other, we'd always have a story or anecdote to share of our friendship back in the "old days".. Jack always brought a smile to my face and I'm sure he'll be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.
Sincerely;
Jerry Metzger--originally from Blanchardville (a friend from the past)
RK
Rick Knoche
Other •
I had the privilege to play softball with the "Legend" for many years with the Darrow Raiders. I have seen 4 triple plays in my life and Jack was involved with 3 of them, which only added to his legend status. He was a good teammate and always fun to be around. We've lost a good one. Rest well my friend.
ME
Max Erickson
Other •
I played ball against Jack in Mt. Vernon for many years. Our team was a young team, and I will never forget when I was around 20, (I'm 34 now) we were playing in the Mt. Vernon Tourny in the semi final game. A manager from the other team came up to me and asked if "this old guy" could play for them. I told him that was fine. We were tied in the bottom of the 7th, with bases loaded and "the old guy" came up to bat. He hit a ball to the fence and drove in the winning run. My team was none to pleased with me. My dad, who played fastpitch for years around the area asked what I was thinking letting them pick up Jack. My response, "Oh, so that's Jack Zahler...." My condolences and he will always be a legend. - Max Erickson (5th Quarter Fastpitch)
KA
K Edward (Ed) Attwood
Other •
An Ode to my old fiend the "The Jack",
I knew that the health issues you faced for far too long were a major burden, but I hoped upon hope that you could beat it. I comes as a complete surprise that it you didn't win this one, as has been your legacy. I will sincerely miss our turkey hunting episodes (we were a bit addicted), the hunting tales we shared, and our conversations during the turkey season about the big gobblers showing up in your back yard or at the back of the property, the talks about spotting deer and bow hunting deer, and morel hunting opportunities. I'll miss your laughs and time spent at the Marcine's location (and the previous name). Although I was successful in getting you out a few time over the past few years,I realized it was becoming more difficult for you - I'd hoped that it was only temporary. . I truly do and will miss you, old buddy. I sincerely hope that your journey and arrival at the "happy hunting ground" will be loaded with many more opportunities for even more massive gobblers and tremendous deer racks . I am and will always miss you, old buddy..Someday I hope to join you.
Your old friend,
Ed (Atwood)
DM
Daniel E. McMeen
Other •
Jack,
Sorry you're gone ahead now. Thanks for the tour of your amazing trophy room; I wish I had pictures. Thanks for the training at Cleary's. Rest in peace brother; the rest of us are right behind. Dan McMeen