Paul Zahrt

Paul Zahrt was a helpful, caring, and loving individual. He would do anything to help someone out, and never thought twice about offering his hand to help those around him. He was a hard worker, dedicated to his family, whom he always made smile, and whom he loved, and treasured dearly. The hottest thing on wheels, the '55 Chevy had many Americans with their car radios tuned in to hear #1 hits like Bill Haley and the Comets Rock Around the Clock, as well as Fats Domino. At home, they had their television sets dialed to the likes of, The Mickey Mouse Club, Gunsmoke, and The Honeymooners. But in Muskegon, Michigan, the home of Norman and Marvel (Wilbur) Zahrt anticipated the spring arrival of their second son, Paul Floyd Zahrt, born on May 13, 1955. The third of six children that made up the Zahrt household, Paul joined his older brother, Stan, and sister, Sue, to later include Floyd, Norm, and baby sister, Sandy. Pauls father provided for his family by working at Sealed Power Corporation, while Pauls mother worked as a nurses aide, and maintained their busy home. The Zahrts lived on Jackson Hill, a thriving community in the early 50s, where they attended Angel School. The family eventually relocated to a home on Pine Street, where Paul and his siblings continued their elementary education at McLaughlin Elementary, and went on to Steele Junior High, through to Muskegon High School. Paul and his neighborhood friends enjoyed a pretty typical childhood growing up, playing sports, and fishing the summer days away. The family took memorable vacations together, too, traveling to Hightower Lake in Hesperia, as well as several trips to the U.P. Ever the hard worker, Paul had various jobs as a teenager. At one point, he worked the concession stands at the Walker Arena, which offered the added bonus of taking in the events there at the same time! As well, Paul also worked hard on the paper route he had for his hometown newspaper, The Muskegon Chronicle. And, he was always helping a neighbor or two out in some way also when needed. But when Paul was just 15 years old, the family suffered a great loss when Pauls father died. These proved to be hard and difficult times for the family, especially Pauls mother, who was left to raise the children on her own. But through the co-op program at school, Paul took a job at Reliable Hardware Store, located on Wood Street, and used the money he earned, to help his mother out. Although Paul found himself being robbed at gunpoint while at work one day, that did not stop him. He was right back at work, the very next day. His work at the hardware store was quite fitting for Paul, as he loved to tinker with things, and was quite mechanically minded. He enjoyed working on small engines, and even took Manual Arts classes while in high school. Following high school, Paul worked at Reynolds Elevator for a time, and eventually landed a job at Michigan Coil Spring, later finding employment with Motion Dynamics. As was Paul, he was always lending a helping hand to anyone that needed it, often for a friendly neighbor, or family member. If someone needed help with a project, Paul was right there, thinking things through, and creating a plan. He was focused on getting the job done, and seeing it through to completion. But Paul had a lighter side too, and could always be found pulling pranks on his family, friends, and co-workers alike! Paul remained close with his siblings, and with his mom. He continued to live with her until he was almost 30 years old, and looked after her. He took care of her, and her home, even remodeling it. He just wanted to make sure that she had everything she needed. Even after moving out, he often kept an eye on things for her. There was a little romance in Pauls life when he met a girl named Chris Neff. He and Chris dated, and lived together for 10 years. He was a great help in raising her children. They finally got married, but the marriage ended in divorce after three years. But as fate would have it, Paul met Phyllis Osborn while at work. They dated for a time, and were married in 1992. Their union later that year was celebrated with the birth of their son, Bobby, who became a baby brother to Phyllis other two sons. Paul and Phyllis purchased his mothers home that was so dear to his heart, and where they began to raise their own family. Even though the neighborhood was not what it once was, it was home to Paul. And their home always saw it fair share of family pets, including a pot bellied pig that played right alongside their dog and cat! Unfortunately, after three years of marriage, Paul and Phyllis also divorced. Over the years, Paul accumulated much. He was, plain and simple, a glorified pack rat. He saved all sorts of things, simply because he thought that just maybe, he or probably someone else, might need it one day! His brothers jokingly thought for sure that Paul must have a copy of every spring he ever made! In his spare time, Paul enjoyed his CB radio, and going four-wheeling with friends. He took time out by spending time at the Muskegon Eagles #668, where he was a member. Paul was also into NASCAR, computer games, and always enjoyed spending time with his dog, Bubba. He continued to love the sport of fishing, and did so when he had the opportunity. Paul treasured the times that he got together with his brothers and sisters, all of whom he remained close to. They looked forward to family get-togethers for the holidays, great super bowl parties, and time spent playing cards. Paul finally discovered that love in his life was not forever lost. He was always friends with, and over time became very close to, his longtime friend, Lily Glover. Paul and Lily were there for one another through difficult days, and saw each other through those tough times. Eventually, Paul moved in with Lily. She was especially a foundation to which Paul could lean, when in 2006, his beloved brother, Stan, died. This was truly a difficult time for Paul. But at home at Lilys place, Paul took joy in, and found solace taking care of the yard, and growing tomatoes in the garden. He loved to feed the squirrels, and spent much time with his loving pet Chihuahua, Bubba. Paul was truly happy, and finally found true contentment in his life with Lily. Sadly, Paul died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 21, 2008 at the age of 53. Paul Zahrt was a man who lived life by caring, loving and helping those around him, and would do anything to help someone out. He was dedicated to his family, whom he loved, and treasured dearly. He will be remembered lovingly with a smile, and greatly missed. Paul F. Zahrt is survived by his son, Bobby Zahrt; significant other, Lily Glover; brothers, Floyd (Chris) Zahrt and Norm (Tracy) Zahrt, both of Muskegon; sisters, Sue (Jim) Launstein of N. Muskegon and Sandy (Skip) Becker of Muskegon; sister-in-law, Theresa Zahrt of Muskegon; many nieces & nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents & brother, Stanley. A Farewell Party will be held to celebrate Pauls life on Friday, December 26, 2008, from 2:00-4:00 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. Memorial contributions in Pauls memory may be made to the Bobby Zahrt Education Fund. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a special memory of him, submit a photo, or sign his online guest book.