Obit: Zabel, Earl (1924 - 2010)

Contact: Audrey Roedl

Email: audero@charter.net

Surnames: Zabel, Markey, Schmidt, Kronebusch

----Source: The Loyal TRG (Loyal, Clark County, Wis. 28 Apr 2010)

Zabel, Earl (06 Mar 1924 - 20 Apr 2010)

Earl J. Zabel, 86, died on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at the Clark County Health Care Center, Owen. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 1, from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m., at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Loyal. The Rev. Jerome Naduvathaniyil will officiate.

Earl J. Zabel was born on March 6, 1924, in Nelson, to Joseph and Leona (nee Markey) Zabel. When he was a young child, his family purchased a farm and moved to Kellogg, Minn., where he was raised and received his education. After completing his education, he continued to work on the family farm with his father. He married Rose Marie Schmidt on May 8, 1945, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Theilman, Minn. They lived in Kellogg for five years, before moving to Waukegan, Ill. He worked at Johnson-Manville, Waukegan, until moving to Loyal, in 1958, where they had purchased a farm. While farming, he also worked as a carpenter for Vern Rogstad, until selling his farm in 1972. He then went out on his own, working as a carpenter until retiring in the late 1980s. After retirement, he enjoyed restoring and pulling antique tractors.

He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, a founder of the Cloverland Antique Tractor Club, a lifetime member of the Chippewa Valley Antique Engine & Model Club, and he served on the board for the town of Beaver for 28 years, 13 as chairman.

He had many interests, but especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, going out to eat, hunting in Wyoming in the fall with his sons and grandkids, and playing cards, especially sheepshead.

Survivors include his children, David (Connie) Zabel, Greenwood, Dale Zabel, Loyal, and Debbie (Clifford) Kronebusch, Kellogg, Minn.; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Rosie, on Feb. 14, 2009; three brothers, Darl Zabel and Fayne Zabel; and one sister, Bernice Wehrenberg.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com .

Cuddie Funeral Home, Loyal, is assisting the family with arrangements.