Sandra L. Zahn

Sandra “Sandy” Zahn, 81, of Loves Park, passed away on November 15, 2025. Born on July 28, 1944, in Rockford, the daughter of Adolph Stemkowski and Alice (Stemkowski) Gunderson.

Sandy had a lively spirit and warm heart. She was very active during her retirement years enjoying time with her friends, and nature, being outdoors, the YMCA, live theater, music, supporting First Free Church and NAMI, and her two rescued feline pals. Proud of her Polish heritage, Sandy often spoke about her father’s long journey to American as a young boy, sharing his story about that journey whenever she could. Sandy enjoyed a long career in administrative support roles, retiring from Taylor Company in Rockton after more than two decades enjoying being part of “The Worldwide Taylor Freezer Team”.

She is survived by her son, Gregory Zahn; daughter, Lori (James) Thompson; grandson, Dr. Michael J. Thompson; her sisters’ family in Louisville, Kentucky; several cousins; and an extended family of many dear friends. She is predeceased by her parents; sister, Beverly (Robert) Broskey; and young brothers, Adolph “Sonny” and Charles.

A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108 with a visitation starting at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northern Alliance on Mental Illness of Illinois “NAMI”, p.o. box 6971 Rockford, IL, 61125, or First Evangelical Free Church, Missions Funds, 2224 N Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61107.