Loren Raymond Zabel, 84, passed away Monday, January 18, 2021, at Smith Center Health and Rehab, Smith Center, KS.
Loren was born May 26, 1936, on the family farm north of Gaylord, the
son of Elsie (Sasse) and Otto Zabel. Loren attended school in Gaylord,
KS, graduating high school in 1954. On August 24, 1958, he married Mary
Jane Henning at Christ Lutheran Church, Gaylord, KS, to this union they
were blessed with three children, Katherine, Ronald, and Greg.
Loren was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Athol, served on the
church council and on the Kirwin Irrigation Board for many years. Loren
enjoyed square dancing, playing softball and bowling. He bowled on a
team for many years going to tournaments on the weekends. He loved his
grandchildren and enjoyed taking them to the pond to go fishing whenever
possible. He loved attending their school activities and ballgames.
Loren farmed his whole life and absolutely loved what he did, he raised
corn, beans, milo, and wheat. He also raised cattle and had his own
feedlot north of Gaylord. In November of 2007, he and Mary Jane moved
off the farm and into Smith Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Orvin Zabel and a son Ronald Zabel in December of 2017.
Loren is survived by his wife Mary Jane Zabel of Smith Center; a
daughter Katherine Main of Broken Arrow, OK; a son Greg Zabel and wife
Melanie of Manhattan; eight grandchildren, James, Loren, Sarah, Lindsey,
Kiley, Kody, Logan, and Seth and two great grandchildren, Nadja and
Callengan.
A celebration of Loren's life will be held at
10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 27, 2021, at St. John Lutheran Church, 20012
J. Road, Athol, KS. Inurnment will take place in the Gaylord Cemetery,
Gaylord, KS. There will not be a public visitation as cremation was
chosen.
Memorials may be given to Loren R. Zabel Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS 66967.