Zetta “Zac” Alice Zabel

Zetta “Zac” Alice Zabel, age 76, of Plainview, Minnesota passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital – Rochester, Saint Marys Campus with her children present by her side. She was a tireless servant of God with a deep spirit. Zetta was born on November 12, 1949, in Rochester, Minnesota, to John and Alice (Conley) Carlon. She attended her early years of education in Oronoco, Minnesota, and graduated from John Marshall High School in Rochester, class of 1967. Zetta later married her sweetheart, John Zabel, on December 29, 1968, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plainview, Minnesota. Together, they shared 57 beautiful years of marriage rooted in a deep bond that served as the foundation for their family.
Zetta and John raised their family in Plainview, where they were dedicated members of the Community Presbyterian Church in Plainview. Zetta and John, unified by their faith as a couple, engaged in various impactful acts of kindness with commitment to volunteer service. They had participated in a mission trip with Habitat for Humanity in New York City, continual support of Feed My Starving Children, involved with LOGOS, and the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) with and at church. As a couple they thoroughly enjoyed their card club playing 500, Thunderbolts motorcycle club, and constant car trips near and far with their favorites being in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Branson, MO, and any chance to get out for a drive to see new/old places stopping for some good food along the way. Professionally, Zetta worked on a diverse list of professions, showcasing her adaptability and multifaceted skill set. Listed are a few of the notable professions she undertook; secretary, had a Class A license, tower crane oiler in the winter, heavy machine operator (Rubber tire roller operator) for Mathy Construction (49ers), and she retired from Mayo Clinic as a Core Tech (SEIU) after serving 20-years of employment.
She is survived by her devoted husband, John Zabel; children, Jordan Zabel of Rochester, Jessica (Brad) Hess of Rochester, and Jeremy (Cristina) Zabel of Byron; her brother Edward (Sandy) Carlon; and five cherished grandchildren: Dylan (Melanie) Hess, Aubrey Hess (fiancé Josh Eckert), Brady Hess, Thadeus Zabel, and Gavin Zabel. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alice Carlon, and her sisters Sylvia Ann, and Catherine.
While Zetta will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she has heard the words, “Her labor is complete, her journey is through, and she may now rest in eternal peace in the presence of the Lord.”
A memorial service will be held for Zetta at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel, with Pastor Denise Dunbar-Perkins officiating. The burial will follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery in Plainview. Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday.
Arrangements entrusted to Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel, the guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com