ERNEST J ZAHN, Obituary, Fergus Co., MT

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Lewistown Paper 2-15-1989

 Ernest J Zahn, 74, a longtime Roy area rancher and well-known for his music, died Feb. 10 at a Lewistown 
nursing home after an extended illness.

Mr. Zahn was born in May 20, 1914 at Blissfield. MI., the son of William and Anna Zahn. When still a baby he, 
moved with his parents from Broken Bow, NE, to Joslin, MT. and spent his early life them, working as a 
cowhand for various ranches.

On May 20, 19t0, he was married to Marie Webb. After his marriage, Mr. Zahn ranched at Joslin on a ranch just 
south of his father's homestead until 1987.

When he was 9 years old, Mr. Zahn’s father carved a fiddle and a bow out of maple wood and Ernest leaned to 
play the fiddle.  He and his brothers, Wilbert, Herbert and Arnold, organized the Zahn Orchestra and played for , 
country dances through out the area, traveling at first by team and wagon.

They continued t~ play for many years. Ernest was the drummer, but also played guitar, banjo and fiddle.

Animals were big part of  he had and he had a deep affection for horses.  His greatest joy was his family and 
sharing with them his love for animals and the land.

He was a charter member of the Roy Rodeo Club and took a great interest in its development.

Survivors include his wife. Marie of Lewistown; two daughters, Bonnie Griffith of Walla Walla, WA and Betty 
Westburg of Lewistown; one brother, Wilbert Zahn of Roy; four grandchildren; one niece and two nephews.

Funeral services were scheduled at the Cloyd Chapel Wednesday afternoon services with w burial at Sunset 
Memorial Gardens of Lewistown.

Friends wishing to do so may make memorials to the American Cancer Society or the Roy History Book Fund. 
They may be left at the funeral home.

Funerals

Ernest J. Zahn
Funeral services for Ernest J. Zahn were held Wednesday, Feb 15 at the Cloyd Chapel with Rev Mike Dean of 
First Christian Church officiating.  

Music was provided by Merrill Womack tapes

Pallbearers were James  Duke, Larry Jordan Sr., Milton Kalina. Monte Lund. Warren Willmore and Wilbert 
Zahn Jr.

Interment was in Sunset Memorial