Kenneth Zahrt

Kenneth Leroy Zahrt of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, uttered his last inappropriate comment Friday, July 5, 2019. The world is a much quieter place without him. While his family is certain the stroke set him back, it was the not talking for three days that likely killed him. A celebration of Kens' life will be held on Saturday, July 20th at Parlor City, 1125 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52401, from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm. If you knew Ken (we apologize for any offense he may have caused), or if you are in doubt you ever met him chances are you didn't because there is no human way possible you would NOT remember him, you know he was a uniquely funny, gregarious, authentic soul. In the spirit of his fondness for storytelling, we encourage you to bring your favorite Ken-ism, story or experience to share with his family and friends. The sharing will commence at 4:00 pm. It is entirely possible that you may not want to attend in which case he would tell you to go suck a root. We're unsure of which root, as he never specified; you are free to choose your own, favorite root. While he was given the name Kenneth at birth by his mother, Julia Zahrt and father, Herman 'Dutch' Zahrt in Marengo, Iowa, his larger than life personality and interaction with his fellow humans necessitated the assignation of many more. During his time here with us, he was known by, Ken, Kenny, Pee Wee, #45, Ivan, Filbur, Crazy Man, Uncle Kenny, and finally Grandpa Z by the squints. During his formative years and into adulthood there wasn't a game that involved a ball that he didn't master. If it had a ball, he played it. He snagged a true 'baby doll' in MaryAnn Van Beek ' who somehow agreed to marry him, and then stayed with him for 54 years. One of the pillars of their strong and abiding love was his weekly reading of the grocery ads to Mary at the kitchen table, much to her chagrin. He had two 'flat peckers' Jeffery Jay Zahrt (Jennifer Zahrt) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Chad Christopher Zahrt (Eduardo Valezquez Zahrt) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was extremely proud of his sons, even if neither of them ever did show the athletic prowess Ken once possessed. He taught real-life survival and coping skills to both boys in their youth, for example spotting 20 points in racquetball games only to then beat them by 1 point at 21, unless of course the sons were about to win in which case you had to win by 2. Ken is also survived by his little man Patch; brother, Dennis Zahrt (Janet Zahrt); nieces, Lori Wahl (Jerry Wahl), and Theresa Haile (Chuck Haile), and a host of other nephews and nieces; his four grandchildren, Oliva Zahrt, Aaron Zahrt, Noah Peden and Eli Peden; and the 'sharks' and 'whales.' When he was engaged with the work force, Ken was a nuclear technician. We're also unsure what that means, but we were told that he was responsible for the well-being of trades folks at nuclear power plants like Duane Arnold and numerous other nuclear sites around the country. We can confirm that 'hell no he didn't glow.' Prior to that he worked in construction with his brother Gary. You have them to thank for Westdale Mall. He was also very proud of the time he spent as a YMCA director here in Cedar Rapids, and the barbershop he ran in Atkins, Iowa, after he completed Barber College. Ken was a member of the Masonic Lodge who listened to music of all kinds, enjoyed out-talking Alexa, the Gazette crossword puzzle, golf, the screened in porch, comfort food, walleye fishing and cribbage. To be fair, he loved all card games and was a very accomplished player. He was an avid movie buff: westerns, action, comedies, Twilight. If it was a movie, he saw it. He cherished his time with his wife, family and his many friends. He was known for many things, his ability to manually fix things not among them. He was, however, known for his earthy, honest sayings and nicknames. He had the ability to set anything to song and was always concerned about the well-being of others and our awareness of the world around us. This was evidenced most noticeably by his wife, sons, and anyone in the car with him as he read aloud from important passing landmarks: 'McDonalds' 'Stop Sign' 'BP' 'Speed Limit 35' One thing we are certain of is that Ken was one of a kind. His generosity was as big as his personality, which knew no bounds. He had an uncanny, profound ability to make you feel special without you even knowing he did it. His gift of gab was coupled with a keen ear that truly enjoyed listening to what you had to say. When you crossed paths with him, you were bound to have a better day, with more laughter, then a day that didn't. If you were ever lucky enough to be invited to his house, you were also lucky enough to be told when to leave. While we know he enjoyed your company, we also know he enjoyed when you left because you were, after all, hard on the plumbing. His words, not ours. Ken had many sayings that he was known for, many of which have entered our family lexicon. Unfortunately, due to the graphic nature of many, if not all of these sayings, we're unable to publish them. Ken threatened for years to give the entire family, and each of us individually, the silent treatment. It would appear he has finally succeeded in doing just that. #snapper. He is glad to have seen you all, but he's got to go.