Joseph Leo Zahler

Joseph Leo Zahler, age 87, passed away peacefully at his home on March 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and daughter.

Born on August 1, 1938, in Cody, Wyoming, to Frank C. and Veronica I. (Lucara) Zahler, Joe grew up in Great Falls and Lewistown, Montana. He graduated from St. Leo’s High School, attended Carroll College, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting from the University of Montana in 1960. Drafted into the United States Army in 1961, he served for two years and received a Good Conduct Medal.

Joe devoted more than five decades to radio broadcasting, founding a local FM station and becoming a trusted voice in the community. His commitment to excellence earned him numerous awards from the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists. In 1969, he met the love of his life, Clotilde, in California. They married just four months later by a Justice of the Peace and renewed their vows six months afterward in a cathedral in Ciudad Obregón. The couple shared 57 loving years together.

Beyond his career, Joe found joy in playing the piano as a young man, drawing and painting throughout his life, and searching the hills of Montana for Yogo sapphires. He played a key role in establishing and promoting the original local Art Center, reflecting his deep support for creativity in the community. Those who knew him will remember his friendly, compassionate, kind, and respectful nature, as well as his special fondness for visits to Mexico.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Clotilde Zahler of Lewistown; his children, Annette Zahler of Lewistown and Michael (Lori) Zahler of Bozeman, Montana; his cherished granddaughter, Elizabeth May Zahler; his siblings, Francis Zahler and Joyce Streber, both of Lewistown; and his niece and nephew, Kay (Jeremie) LaBarre of Conrad, Montana, and Neil (Rochelle) Streber of Lewistown. He will be remembered for his integrity, honesty, dedication to family, and lifelong commitment to local broadcasting.