03/25/2026
Joseph A. Zahn
Joseph A. Zahn, 95, passed away March 21, 2026 at his home in Billings, MT. Born May 19, 1930, in Hague, North Dakota, to Adam and Annie (Eberly) Zahn, Joe was the second oldest of eight children. He was raised in a Catholic family that valued faith, hard work, and togetherness. Growing up during the Great Depression on a farm, Joe began helping with chores at age 6, milking cows, working in the fields and contributing on the farm. His work ethic from his childhood continued throughout his life.
On July 4, 1948, Joe met the love of his life, Lavina Kilfoy, during a 4th of July celebration in Red Lodge, Montana. They married on July 9, 1949, in Laurel, MT, and honeymooned in Yellowstone Park in a cabin that cost $1.50 a night. That was the first of many trips they enjoyed taking together throughout their lives. They traversed many locations together including Colorado, Washington, California, and Nevada being among their favorites.
Joe and Lavina had two sons: Joseph Andrew Zahn and James Allen Zahn.
Family and the Catholic faith were central in Joe’s life. Joe enjoyed coaching his sons’ baseball teams for many years and always had an active involvement in all their childhood activities. Fishing was also a favorite pastime that Joe and the family, including grandchildren, and great grandchildren enjoyed together often. Joe was an avid Notre Dame Football fan, as anyone who ever met him would well know. Go Irish!!
Joe worked in the meat packing industry for 38 years where at Pierce Packing he rose to Vice President of Operations. He was admired and respected by the many people he worked with.
In retirement, Joe and Lavina cherished time with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His kindness and love also extended to many other special friends and “adopted” family that he took under his wing throughout his life. Later in life, Joe also shared many good times with his best friend BJ Russell.
Joe is survived by his 2 children Joe (Patty) Zahn, James (Sharyl) Zahn, 4 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, sister Mary Ann Gabel, and Brothers Walter Zahn & Andy Zahn. He is preceded in death by his wife Lavina Zahn (Kilfoy), His brothers Leo Zahn, Mike Zahn, & Bill Zahn.
Joe believed the three most important things in life were Faith, Family, and Friends. He often said, “It is what you learn after you know it all that counts. You can’t do anything on your own; you have to depend on the Lord.” He felt he had lived the most blessed life anyone could ask for and wouldn’t have changed a thing. Joe did not just talk these beliefs, he lived them.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s name to the charity of your choice.
View Joseph A. Zahn's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.