Theodore Michael Zahn

Theodore Michael Zahn

Theodore M. Zahn, ""Ted"" Zahn, went to be with his Lord on March 30, 2020, at the age of 85. Ted is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dr. Barbara M. Zahn. He is preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Anastasia Zahn.

He is lovingly remembered by his children: Deborah Bush (James), Michael Zahn (Marlene), Jean May (Edward). He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Eric Strand (Mollie), Matthew Bush (Ashley), Stephen Bush, Nicholas Bush, Scott May (Kyle), Christopher May, Courtney Zahn, and Brittney Zahn. He was so proud of his great-grandchildren: Adam Strand, Charles Bush, Sadie Bush and Pearce May, along with nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ted was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1934. He joined the US Air Force when he was 18. He was stationed at Smoky Hill Air Force Base in Kansas when he met Barbara, the love of his life. They married in Kansas City, Missouri in 1956. After the Air Force, Ted attended Rockhurst College in Kansas City, where he also worked 2 jobs to support his family. Ted worked at St John's Hospital in Salina, Kansas and then at St. Mary's Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas, as a hospital administrator.

In 1966, Ted moved the family to Aurora, Colorado where he worked at Fitzsimons Hospital working for the Surgeon General's Office for the US federal government developing the OCHAMPUS handbook.

Ted received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1960, and his MBA from the University of Northern Colorado in 1976.

Ted retired from the Department of Health and Human Services in 1992 as a Health Care Finance Administrator. Afterwards he worked for several years as a Medicare Hearing Officer.

Ted was an avid sports lover. He often could be seen at this children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's sporting activities. He achieved his goal of running and completing a marathon when he was 50 years old.

Ted's interests included coaching Little League and American Legion Baseball in Aurora, Colorado. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus as a 4th Degree Knight; the Elks Club. He loved shopping and especially browsing and dealing at flea markets. Ted also loved meeting up with his fellow servicemen at Air Force reunions.

He received many awards throughout his life. He was officially commended five times for outstanding performance and dedication to duty worthy of high praise and commendation, reflecting great credit by the Office for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Service and the Department of Defense.

Service to others was a large part of Ted's life. He was a Eucharistic Minister at his church; a proud member of the Knights of Columbus; Elks Club; American Legion; Lobbyist for the American Association of Retired Persons; Junior Chamber of Commerce; as well as coaching sports. He received the Danny Sullivan Sportsmanship Award.

Family was the most important part of Ted's life. He lived for family get-togethers and watching and keeping statistics for his grandkids’ and great-grandkids' sporting events.

Ted was especially proud of his time in the Air Force and will be interred at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado. A memorial service is planned for this summer.