Obituary: Everett Zabel, 93

Everett LeRoy Zabel, 93, Osakis, entered the peace of Heaven on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at Community Memorial Home in Osakis.

Everett was born March 6, 1916 in Reynolds Township, Todd County to Fred and Elsie (Kowalke) Zabel.

Everett married Amanda Wittwer on September 4, 1939. They farmed north of Osakis near the Long Prairie River for many years. Everett loved country life and being outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish and live off of the land. Each summer he planted a large garden and waited for the fresh produce to mature. He always looked forward to picking blueberries, cranberries and digging potatoes up north each year.

Dancing, socializing and reading were the pastimes he most enjoyed during the long winter months.

After Amanda’s passing, Everett married Hattie Schmid on October 16, 1976. He was able to live for more than 67 years on his farm.

Everett is survived by his wife, Hattie Zabel of Osakis; children, Ella Mae Zabel of Osakis and LeRoy (Monica) Zabel of Long Prairie; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; four stepchildren, Gloria (Ed) Sedok, Norma (Ted) Stelmack, Doug (Sharon) Schmid, Robert (Sandy) Schmid; two brothers, Derald and Dewayne Zabel, both of rural Osakis; a sister, Cleora VanValkenburg of Long Prairie; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Amanda; brother, Ervin Zabel; and a sister, Helen Fearing.

Funeral services were held February 26 at First Presbyterian Church in Osakis with the Rev. Gerry Vuchetich and the Rev. Tim Sutton officiating. Music was provided by organist, Ellen Bangtson and soloist, Dana Hetland. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery in Long Prairie with pallbearers Blake, Gerard and Hunter Johnson, Andy, Jeff and Lukas Zabel, Dacotah and Tyler Wenninger.

Arrangements were handled by Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis; www.royhetland.com.