Virginia Mae Zahn, 83, of Mattoon, Wisconsin, is being remembered by family, friends and members of her community following her passing on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Known for her compassion, strong faith and willingness to help others, Virginia leaves behind a legacy built around family, service, friendship and a life devoted to the people she loved.
Virginia was born on June 9, 1943, in Bowler, Wisconsin, to Martin and LaVerne (Wincentsen) Beyer. Her early years in the area eventually led to a lifelong connection with the community where she would raise her family and build lasting relationships.
Her love story with her husband, Ross Zahn, began when they were young. Virginia graduated from high school one weekend, celebrated her 18th birthday the following weekend and married Ross on June 17, 1961. Their marriage became an important part of her life, with the couple sharing decades together before Ross’s death.
Virginia also dedicated many years to serving local children through her work at Mattoon Elementary School. She worked as a cook there for 38 years before retiring in 2007. Even after retirement, she continued working as a substitute until 2016, demonstrating the commitment and work ethic that characterized much of her life.
Outside of work, Virginia found happiness in creative hobbies and activities that allowed her to express herself. She enjoyed making cards, stamping, sewing and scrapbooking. These interests reflected her creativity and appreciation for personal touches, while also giving her opportunities to create things that could be shared with others.
Faith was another important part of Virginia’s life. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mattoon, where she and Ross were active participants. The couple were known for lending a helping hand whenever they could. Virginia was also involved with the LWMS and Ladies Aid, further reflecting her commitment to her church and community.
Those who knew Virginia remembered her as a compassionate woman who thought about others. Her obituary describes someone who was always mindful of the needs of people around her, a quality that helped define her relationships with family, friends and members of her church community.
Virginia is survived by her children, Joanne (Doug) Littlejohn and Randy (Kathy) Zahn. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Cassie (Steve) Littlejohn, William (Megan) Littlejohn, Matthew (Danielle) Littlejohn, Abigail (Dakota) Littlejohn and Danielle Mertens, along with four great-grandchildren: A.J. Garcia, Greta Schlenner, Benjamin Schlenner and Madeline Littlejohn.
She is also survived by siblings Connie Plisch, Nancy Beyer and Helen Vacha, as well as sister-in-law Anita Grosz and brother-in-law Dale Zahn. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ross and several siblings, including Jerry Beyer, Bob Beyer, Jim Beyer, Roger Beyer and Doris Ann, who died in infancy.
A funeral service for Virginia is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, September 7, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mattoon. Visitation will take place at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service, with burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.
As her family and friends gather to honor her life, Virginia Mae Zahn will be remembered for the kindness she showed others, the years she dedicated to serving children, her devotion to her faith and the love she gave her family. Her memory will continue through the generations of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends whose lives she touched throughout her 83 years.


