Ralph Edward Zabel

Ralph Edward Zabel

Ralph Edward Zabel,  81, of rural Black River Falls, WI passed away Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Ralph grew up on a farm in Watertown, where he graduated from high school in 1963. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served with the 11th Battalion during the Vietnam War.

In his free time, Ralph enjoyed hunting, searching for hidden treasures at auctions and birdwatching. Above all else, he was a devoted family man whose love, loyalty and dedication to his wife, three daughters, and six grandchildren were the center of his life.

Ralph will always be remembered for his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making friends wherever he went. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Zabel of Black River Falls; three daughters, Sonja Goodchild (Joe Kuntner) of Mukwonago, Melissa “Missy” Zabel of Fort Atkinson and Gwen Zabel of Milwaukee; six grandchildren, Ashlynn, Brooklyn and Kaylin Goodchild and Riley, Silas and Callum Zabel; two brothers, Robert Zabel of Oconto Falls and Roland Zabel of Watertown; three brothers-in-law, Wallace (Kathy) Olver of Mukwonago, Wayne Olver of Abbotsford and Larry (Karen) Simonis of Black River Falls; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Adeline Zabel; sister Dorothy Schultz; parents-in-law Vernon and LaVerne Olver; and four sisters-in-law, Barbara Zabel, Lois Zabel, Carol Simonis and Suzanne Cassel.

Ralph was honored to travel to Washington, D.C., in June with his daughter Sonja on an Honor Flight. It was a deeply meaningful day for him and his family, a memory they will forever cherish. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Wisconsin.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home in Hixton, WI, with Pastor Elden Simonson officiating. Burial will follow at Pole Grove Cemetery, Hixton Township. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will be held after the burial at Hixton American Legion Post #368.

Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, Hixton is assisting the family with arrangements.