Hugo Clair ZAHN

Published in The State Journal-Register on July 13, 2011: Hugo Clair Zahn of Rochester passed away at 10:00 p.m., July 11, 2011 at home surrounded by his loving family. Hugo was born April 28, 1930 in McGregor, IA, son of Hugo George and Rosena L. (Mueller) Zahn. Hugo was raised the son of an Operating Engineer and lived in many locations throughout the Midwest as a child. In the mid 1940's, Hugo attended Lanphier High School where he played football and sang in the choir. In the late 1940's, Hugo attended Millikin University, where he paid his way by singing at weddings. In 1950, Hugo joined the Army Air Corp. and served his country proudly. Upon returning home from the service, Hugo joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 965. On October 3, 1953, Hugo married Delois Elaine Albert. In 1960, Hugo was elected to his first position on Local 965's Executive Board. In 1963 he, along with his good friend John Hudson, Sr., negotiated a pension plan, health insurance and a Training Program for the first time for Local 965 members. In 1972, he started the first Supportive Services Program to promote minority participation in the construction industry. Over his sixty years as a member of Local 965, he held every office of the Local and in 1982 he was elected Business Manager, which he served as until his retirement in 1995. In 1983, he was elected Chairman of the Illinois State Council of Operating Engineers and its 45,000 members and served in this capacity until his retirement. Hugo's love for his union and its members is unparalleled in today's world. Upon his retirement, Hugo spent his time helping the Rochester Youth Athletic Association and building the Rochester Park. Nothing could light up his eyes like children playing and he was very proud of the work he did to see that happen in Rochester. Hugo was also the Rochester Citize of the Year in 1997. Hugo is survived by his wife, Lois and three children, Michael (Jacki) Zahn, Joyce (Leon) Baker and Cathy (Terry) Hunter, grandchildren Steve and Jessi Zahn, Melissa and Jacob (Stephanie) Hunter and great grandchildren Emma and Hugo Hunter. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Arlene Murphy and grandson, Eric Baker. Visitation will be held at Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Services will be held Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester, IL, with the Reverend Samuel Janssen officiating. Burial will be in Rochester Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Chuck Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund, 3320 E. Cook Street, Springfield, IL 62703. Arrangements are being handled by Wilson Park Funeral Home.

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