Larry D. Zabel

Larry Zabel, 77, passed away on October 31, 2024 at the Hospice Alliance Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. Larry was born on July 16, 1947 to Herman and Megan (nee: Evans) Zabel. Raised on a farm in Big Springs, Nebraska, Larry married a local girl, Marcia Damon. He spent his career as a manager, finally landing at A&E Manufacturing and Eckmann Press Metals in Racine, WI. Along the way, Larry and Marcia welcomed two boys, Jason (Jennifer) and Aaron (Sara). He was proud of the men they became, their families and accomplishments. Proving handy when he built the family home in Kearney NE with his good friend Alan Mayne, Larry enjoyed helping both sons with house projects. His first choice was always to build it or do it himself. Larry loved sports, especially football. He was a lifelong Nebraska Cornhusker fan. For some reason, he was a Chicago Bears fan. He loved fitness, swimming, and was a scuba diver. When Larry was little, he travelled with his parents on the Queen Mary to visit his mother’s family in Wales. More recently, Larry and Marcia travelled in their RV, adding their miniature poodle Bates to their adventures in 2021. Larry was a great neighbor, helping anyone who needed it. He was a sounding board and role model for many. He was compassionate and giving to others. Larry and Dan DeBaker volunteered to cut down trees around the city. Larry built a log splitter to make the process as efficient as possible. The Zabels, their neighbors, and friends never ran out of firewood. Among his interests were family, cars, nature, history, sports, and science. He loved spending time with his granddaughters, learning about their interests and attending as many of their events as he could. After retirement, Larry was a hospice volunteer. He passed away in hospice surrounded by family. Larry is survived by his adored wife of 54 years, Marcia, his sons Jason (Jennifer), Aaron (Sara), his granddaughters, Hailey, Hannah, and Alaina, his dog Bates, all of Racine, WI. He is also survived by his sister Shirlee (Scott) State and his nephews Travis and Adam (Toni) State of Sulfur Springs, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents and more recently his brother Howard in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A service for Larry will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158. https://www.hospicealliance.org/support-us/honor-a-love-one/

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Larry D. Zabel

July 16, 1947 - October 31, 2024