Jean Zahner

JEAN (JOHNSON) ZAHNER

Jean Zahner of Burbank, Washington, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on January 4, 2025. Born in Logan, Iowa, on March 24, 1930, to Louise and Victor Johnson, she had many fun escapades growing up with her younger brother, Victor. An academic at heart, she excelled at school and graduated Salutatorian of Logan High School, Class of 1948.

Jean and Frank Zahner married in 1949 and started life on their farm near Scranton, Iowa. They raised 4 daughters and Jean was an active 4H leader. In 1976, they decided to make a life change, sold the farm and moved to Kennewick, Washington. After 34 years, their marriage ended.

Jean's new chapter was inspiring: she chose to start college at age 52 and became a student leader. She graduated magna cum laude, earning a degree in business administration from Central Washington University. She traveled the world, became a certified scuba diver and avid skier. Jean was a generous soul who loved to give back to others. She spent countless hours volunteering as an election precinct chair and at St. Joseph Parish in Kennewick.

Jean's charitable spirit and focus on education led to her creating an endowment scholarship at Columbia Basin College. She also left an indelible legacy by supporting her grandchildren through college. They called her Mimi and are forever grateful for everything she has done for them. Mimi's clan is spread over several states, so to keep the family close, she orchestrated the Zahner Family Reunions at Disneyworld, a beach house in Hawaii, a dude ranch in Wyoming, houses in Sun Valley, Sunriver and Suncadia (a sun theme here), Leavenworth, Lake Chelan, Oregon Coast and many others. She loved having her family together which created strong bonds between all the cousins.

Jean married Duane Poe in 2005. They relished their quiet life in Burbank, Washington, especially enjoying fishing and camping trips to National Parks. Jean has reunited with her beloved partner, who passed away November of 2024.

Jean is survived by four daughters: Chris (Stuart), Mary (Tom), Teresa (Al) and LeeAnn 8 grandchildren: Scott, Kristin, Bryce, Kelly, Mara, Elliott, Ella and Adam

12 great grandchildren: Natalie, Owen, Avery, Elise, Charlotte, Lynley, Georgia, Hannah, Bekah, Olivia, Luke and Clare, all of whom love her dearly.

Memorials can be made to:

Columbia Basin College Foundation,

Jean Zahner Endowed Scholarship Fund,

2600 N. 20th Avenue, Pasco, WA 99301

or by telephone to 509.542.4436