Wayne J. Zabel

Wayne J. Zabel passed away on July 27, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born January 25, 1948 to Roes (Schmit) and Fayne Zabel at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Wabasha. He was 77 years old.
Wayne was a farmer through and through. Wayne’s passion was “coon” hunting. When done with chores at night he would load up the Blueticks and hunt ‘til the we hours of the morning. He also enjoyed fishing, deer hunting and helping other people. He didn’t drink, didn’t smoke but could swear like a sailor, especially at the milk cows.
Wayne had an argument with a Holstein bull on November 3, 2003 which made him a quadriplegic, but he survived longer than the bull.
Wayne married Patricia Kronebusch on September 21, 1968 and they became farming partners from that day on. They purchased the family farm from Fayne in April 1976.
Wayne and Pat had 3 children Joseph, Lisa and Jim (Partner) and Jason. The kids were raised on the farm and are still involved with it.
Wayne also leaves behind his grandchildren Ashley Ann Bremer (Dan), Shawn Joseph (Taylor) Zabel and Travis (Cassied) Zabel, great grandson Justin, step great granddaughter Sylvia Rice and their father Paul Fankhauser. Sisters Ruth Zabel, Shirley Kronebusch and Jeanette Gile, Brother LeRoy Zabel and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceeding him in death: father Fayne, mother Rose, sister Jean Pavelka and Ken Pavelka and double first cousins, Darlene Behrns and Norbert Zabel,
Wyane did not want a public service, “I’m just a dirt farmer”, but a memorial will be celebrated at a later date.