Marcella Mae Zabel
June 27, 1938 ~ October 11, 2026
Marcella M. Zabel age 88 of Fredericksburg died Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner.
Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2026 at Peace United Church of Christ in Fredericksburg with Rev. Scott Smith presiding. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg with Trent Zabel, Nic Zabel, Jamie Zabel, Tim Zabel, Travis Gruenberg, Eric Gruenberg serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Gruenberg, Kayla Steinlage, Kendra Teeling, Bri Zabel and Morgan Hersch.
Friends may greet the family from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Fredericksburg. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.
Marcella was born on June 27, 1938, in Bremer County, Iowa, the daughter of Lester and Vollie (Schwerin) Gaede. Marcella was the fourth of eleven children.
Marcella graduated from Tripoli High School in 1956. On August 12, 1956, she was united in marriage to Glen Zabel at Spring Fountain. Following their marriage, they made their home on the Zabel family farm near Fredericksburg, where they built their life together.
Marcella worked for 23 years at Beatrice Cheese in the shredded cheese department. Outside of work, she enjoyed helping with the local carnival, camping, quilting, baking and decorating cookies, teaching the grandchildren to sew and playing cards. Above all, Marcella treasured spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The time she spent with her loved ones brought her great joy, and family remained an important part of her life.
Marcella will be lovingly remembered by her children, Deb Gruenberg of Sumner, Russ (Lori) Zabel Northfield, MN, Daniel (Pam) Zabel of Fredericksburg; daughter-in-law, Deb Zabel of Independence; 11 grandchildren, Travis (Denise) Gruenberg, Eric (Kate) Gruenberg, Jason Gruenberg, Bri Zabel, Morgan (Josh) Hersch, Nic Zabel, Trent (Becca) Zabel, Kayla (Jason) Steinlage, Kendra (Owen) Teeling, Jamie (Jess) Zabel, Tim (Jessica) Zabel; 16 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Maxine Brocka, Phyllis Rodgers, Patricia Stangle, Paula Wehling; one brother, Perry Gaede.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Vollie Gaede; her husband, Glen Zabel; son, Greg Zabel; grandson, Brandon Zabel; her siblings, Melvin, Marlys, Marlowe, Milton, and Paul.
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To Zabel family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. She lived a long life, but losing a parent is never easy. I am sure Greg welcomed her to Heaven with open arms…….may it give you some peace Debbie knowing that Greg and his parents are together again. Lisa Schoonover Herold
Deepest sympathy to the Zabel family.
To the family of Marcella. So sorry to hear of Marcella’s passing. You have my sympathy. I worked with Marcella many years ago at Meinerz/Beatrice/ConAgra
Marcella, will miss you sis but I’m sure your just as happy where you are going. Love you lots !!
Our deepest sympathy to Marcella’s family. I really liked visiting with her when I worked at the U and still connected a little on Facebook. Remember all the the great memories you shared. Barbara and Andrew
We send our sincere condolences to the Zabel family.
Debbie and the Zabel family.
We send our sympathy and prayers to you. Rest in peace Marcella.
Our deepest sympathy for the Zabel family. Always enjoyed visiting with Glen & Marcella at ballgames. Don & Karen Meier
Janet H.
Just learned of the passing of Marcella, On my Birthday! Dianne and would like to extend our Sympathy To the Entire Families Of Marcella ! My Sister Lois would also like to Extend her Condolences, also to Entire Relative Families. She was always Kind Hearted when ever Our Family and Relative Get togethers Gathered ! She will not be Forgotten ! Dale & Dianne Schwerin Grand Rapids Mn. And Lois (Schwerin) Fischer Nashua Assisted Living Nursing Home !
Just learned of the passing of Marcella, On my Birthday! Dianne and would like to extend our Sympathy To the Entire Families Of Marcella ! My Sister Lois would also like to Extend her Condolences, also to Entire Relative Families. She was always Kind Hearted when ever Our Family and Relative Get togethers Gathered ! She will not be Forgotten ! Dale & Dianne Schwerin Grand Rapids Mn. And Lois (Schwerin) Fischer Nashua Assisted Living Nursing Home !
Just learned of the passing of Marcella, On my Birthday! Dianne and would like to extend our Sympathy To the Entire Families Of Marcella ! My Sister Lois would also like to Extend her Condolences, also to Entire Relative Families. She was always Kind Hearted when ever Our Family and Relative Get togethers Gathered ! She will not be Forgotten ! Dale & Dianne Schwerin Grand Rapids Mn. And Lois (Schwerin) Fischer Nashua Assisted Living Nursing Home !