Roland Zahn

Roland J. Zahn of Blue Ridge, aged 87, passed away October 17, 2025, after battling esophageal cancer.
Rollie was born in 1938 in Beloit, Wisconsin where he attended high school and lettered in wrestling. He attended college at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.
He spent the majority of his working years with General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC). After 34 years with GMAC, he retired as a Department Head in Credit Analysis in GMAC's headquarters located in Detroit, Michigan. Rollie always planned things out and was a "doer" with an extremely strong work ethic. He was always firm, but fair in matters of business as well as how he raised his children.
Rollie had been very active in the US Jaycees in Illinois, holding various officer positions including Director, vice president, and president of his chapter and had been a state director.
Rollie had a passion for spending time with friends and family with fishing being one of his favorite activities. He was an avid card player and (like other things in life) always played to win. He was a skilled woodworker and made some beautiful furnishings for his home and for his friends. Rollie was quick to help friends and neighbors and was extremely independent and self-sufficient, even well into his 80's. He served as his HOA's president for multiple years. Rollie loved food and was quite the cook and truly a master at grilling. On Saturdays in the Fall, after helping on HOA projects, his favorite past time was watching college football, especially his beloved Michigan Wolverines.
Rollie is survived by Joyce Zahn, wife of 36 years whom he doted on and adored; his sister, Sandra Roark of Cincinnati, Ohio; his four children: Ken (Julie) Zahn of Sevierville, Tennessee; James (Patricia) Zahn of Palm Coast, Florida; Edward (Yessica) Zahn of Clermont, Florida; and Kathleen (Mark) Dessimoz of Mt. Prospect, Illinois; his step-son: Todd (Krista) Davis of Eaton, Ohio. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.
There will be a small memorial service for family and close friends at a later date and time to be determined to ensure all may attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society for Esophageal Cancer.
Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Roland John Zahn; you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.