Hans Henry Zandt

Posted

On Saturday Feb. 4, 2023, Hans passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side. 

Hans was born Jan. 3, 1932 in the Bronx, to August Frederick Zandt and Hedwig Ritz Zandt, the third of 15 children. He spent the first three years of his life in the Bronx before the family settled on the farm in China Valley, Deposit in 1935. 

On April 18, 1959 he married the love of his life, Helen Agnes Schriver, at the Rock Royal Methodist Church in Rock Royal. The marriage lasted 63 years and produced five children. 

Hans is survived by his wife Helen, sons William August, Jeffrey Charles, Robert Karl (Phillip Horan) and daughter-in-law Susan Schaffer Zandt, seven grandchildren: Bradley, Paul (Kaitlyn), Philip (Stephanie), Andrea, Jessie (Derik), Travis (Ellery) and Trevor; brothers August (Rachael), Robert (Diana) and sister Margaret (Gary); 16 great-grandchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces, along with great- and great-great nephews and nieces whom he loved dearly. 

Hans was predeceased by a son Hans Henry Jr. (John) and an infant daughter, Sandra Helen; parents August and Hedwig Zandt and in-laws, William and Phoebe Schriver. 

He was also predeceased by brothers, sisters, in-laws along with cousins, nieces and nephews on both his and Helen’s sides of the family. 

Hans is also survived by his last German Shepard “Ginger” and was predeceased by numerous “Heidis” over the years. 

Hans lived a Christian life devoted to Jesus and his family. His favorite past times were reading, studying the Bible, watching his birds and visiting with friends and family. Hans loved nature and if he could be outside he was, in all seasons. 

Hans was employed by Queens Farms Cannonsville and Cooney Brothers Construction Hancock. In 1965 he found his lifetime dream career as a timber harvester. After 47 years he begrudgingly handed over his chain saw to son Jeff. 

Hans was also well known for being a fixture by his wife’s side for 30 plus years at the Kozy Korner Concessions at the Lambrecht and Aikens Auctions along with their “hard ice cream” and “strawberry shortcake” at the commercial side of the Delaware County Fair Walton. 

Hans had a “work ethic” instilled in him by his parents which he passed on to his sons and grandchildren. 

Hans was a member of the Northfield Community Church where he was a trustee of the church for many years. Along with that he spent many years with his church families at the Trout Creek Community Church, Sherman Bible Chapel, and the Deposit Methodist Church. He often spoke fondly of the late Reverend Glenn McCarty of the Deposit Methodist Church who brought him the Lord. 

He served for many years as a member of the Trout Creek Fire Commission and as a member of the Town of Tompkins board. 

Calling Hours will be Friday, Feb. 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 78 2nd Street, Deposit, and Saturday, Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northfield Community Church, 5116 county Highway 23, Walton, with the service following right after. Burial will be in the spring. 

In lieu of flowers, make a donation in Hans’ name to the Northfield Community Church, 5116 County Highway 23, Walton, NY 13856 or the Trout Creek Community Church, 8558 County Highway 27, Trout Creek, NY 13847. 

Hans was known for his “handshake” and “smile” which he maintained until the end. 

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” – Hebrews 4:16