Kenneth "Ken" George Zabel

Jody Hane2021-02-05T19:13:24-06:00

Name: Kenneth "Ken" George Zabel
Location of Birth: Faribault, Minnesota
Date of Birth: January 12, 1928
Date of Death: July 30, 2014 (86 years old)
Parents: Charles and Minnie Zabel
High School and Class: Faribault High School, Faribault, Minnesota
College: Miller Vocational School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Highest Rank:
Branch: Navy
Other Branch:
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Military Highlights:
Ken served in the Navy during World War II for two years and was stationed in the Pacific.

Wars Involved:
World War II

MIA / POW:

Civilian Life:
Ken's vocational training was in cabinet making and woodworking. After working at various cabinet shops in Minneapolis, Minnesota Ken established Ken's Cabinet Shop in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on East Highway 169 in 1958. For the next 45 years, Ken honed his skills and was well known in the community for his custom made cabinets, furniture and anything made out of wood.

In 1951, he married Marlene Webster in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In 1958 they moved their family from Richfield, Minnesota to Grand Rapids, Minnesota where they have lived and enjoyed the community every since.

Ken was active in the Boy Scouts and received the Silver Beaver Award for 25 years of service to Scouting, Independent Order of Foresters, Rotary and a member of the Blandin Chorus (now Grand Rapids Area Male Chorus) for 33 years. He was active and held many offices in the United Methodist Church. He sang with the church choir for over 40 years, served on numerous committees and made the kitchen cabinetry in both Grand Rapids United Methodist Churches.

He liked camping, traveling and dancing, especially old time dance. After retirement, he participated in many mission trips throughout the United States and in Jamaica through the United Methodist Church and NOMAD organization. Ken and Marlene travelled in all 50 states and to many foreign countries throughout their married live.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald Zabel.

Ken is survived by his wife of 63 years years, Marlene; three children, Reverend Lyndon (Judy), Richard (Debbie) and Gordon (Frances); and eight grandchildren.

Ken died at Grand Itasca Hospital in Grand Rapids, Minnesota due to Parkinson's disease. He is buried in Itasca Calvary Cemetery at Grand Rapids, Minnesota. (Plot C-A-42)

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