HOISINGTON — Emily Anne Zorn, 93, died Aug. 3, 2026, at her home in Hoisington. She was born Feb. 23, 1933, on the family farm in rural Ellsworth County, Kan., the daughter of Emil W. and Rose M. (Mattas) Podlena. Emily graduated from Wilson High School in 1951.
On Oct. 7, 1952, she married Elmer E. Zorn in Wilson, Kan. They were blessed with three sons, Dennis, Ron, and James. When Elmer fell ill and entered the care home for many years, Emily was always there by his side assisting the home in any helpful way that she could. He preceded her in death on April 1, 2009.
A longtime Hoisington resident she was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and was active in the Altar Society. She also belonged to the women’s auxiliaries of both the American Legion and V.F.W. Emily never wanting to be idle, loved spending time in her garden knowingly growing more than she needed just to be able to generously share with others. She loved gatherings and was often the last to leave any function. At family gatherings she insisted on photos which she would later meticulously record the names on the back for future generations. Above all her family was her greatest love, attending all the grandchildren’s activities, making sure each holiday was special, and her regular talks with her sisters were some of her most cherished moments.
She is survived by her three sons;, Dennis Zorn and wife Brenda of Westminster, Colo., Ron Zorn of San Tan Valley, Ariz., and James Zorn and wife Donna of Great Bend; a sister, Sister Loretta Podlena of Columbus, Ohio; and five grandchildren, Eric Zorn and wife Sarah of St. Paul, Minn., Alycia Monson and husband Jason of Westminster, Colo., Zachary Zorn and wife Jody of Erie, Colo., Gabriel Zorn and Matthew Zorn both of McPherson; and four great-grandchildren, Mason and Adeline Zorn and Grayson and Alistair Zorn. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a daughter-in-law, Carol Quist; brother, Bill Poldena; and sisters, Helen Soukup, Mary Barta and Anne Ehrlich.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday, with family to greet friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Vigil and Rosary will begin at 7:30 p.m., all at the funeral home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 8th, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Warren Stecklein. Burial will follow in St. John Catholic Cemetery, Hoisington, Kan.
Memorials may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or St. John Catholic Cemetery Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 6, 2026
