Sharon M. Zahn

Sharon Marie Zahn, 73, of Bucyrus, died on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the presence of family and will be deeply missed.

Sharon was born on June 27, 1953 in Loudonville, Ohio to the late Paul Leon and Jean Marie (Mumper) Kauffman. She was a 1971 graduate of Loudonville High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in home economics from Ashland University.

Sharon was serving as the Queen of the Millersburg Antique Festival and while visiting the Bratwurst Festival, needed a car for the parade. She found one that matched the color of her dress driven by Mike Zahn, who gladly helped her out and continued chauffeuring her to other Ohio festivals. On August 2, 1975, they got married in the Zion Lutheran Church in Loudonville and shortly thereafter moved to Bucyrus.

Sharon began teaching Early Childhood Education at Tri-Rivers in Marion, later serving as the department director. Her career totaled 30 years following her retirement in 2005.

Sharon was an active member of Good Hope Lutheran Church, and had served as the Sunshine Choir Director, assisted with VBS, orchestrated children’s plays and was an instrumental figure in forming the church’s pre-school, something she was very proud to be part of. Sharon also served on the preschool board for many years.

Sharon and Mike loved attending auctions and antique shows and always found several items to add to one of her many collections. From a young age, she played the piano and was always the person who accompanied Mike during school or church related functions. Sewing also gave her great joy, and if it could be sewn, Sharon could do it. She made and repaired many outfits and objects but absolutely loved sewing Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. Always going above and beyond as a way to make their outfits stand out. She loved doting on her family (especially her grandchildren) and very much looked forward to family gatherings in Loudonville. She prided herself in decorating their home with beautiful flowers and made several trips to Shiloh in search of Irises and Glads, two of her favorite flowers.

In addition to Mike, her husband of 51 years, Sharon is survived by her children, Kirsten (Brad) Jordan and Nathan (Liz) Zahn; grandchildren, Olivia, Kathryn, Colin, Logan and Lillian; siblings, Gary (Lisa) Kauffman, Larry (Linda) Kauffman and Mary (Kim) Carr as well as nieces and nephews whom she loved.

Along with her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by her father and mother-in-law, Dick and Jean Zahn.

Her family will visit with friends for 9:45 – 11:45 am Friday, August 28 in the auditorium of Good Hope Lutheran Church, followed by her memorial service at 12:00 noon in the church sanctuary with Pastor Tanyce Addison officiating. Private inurnment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Sharon loved both her church and the preschool so it would be fitting that memorial donations be made payable to either Good Hope Lutheran Church or Good Hope Lutheran Preschool. These gifts will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service or at the church on day of her services. Online memories and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on her guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com,