Russell Zabel

Russell Alfred Zabel, age 88 of Watertown, passed peacefully to his eternal Father away on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at Marquardt Health Center. He was born on April 11, 1925 in the Town of Farmington, the son of Alfred and Dorothy (Boettcher) Zabel. Russell graduated from Maple View School in 1938. He married Hazel Voigt on November 10, 1945 and were able to share 61 years together before her death in 2007. Russell started farming the family owned farm in 1945 until passing it to his son Brian in 1981. He proudly worked for the Town of Farmington for 57 years, keeping the town roads clear and safe as well as serving as Weed Commissioner for many years. Russell was also a Sales Representative for Spangler Seeds for over 25 years. He was a member of the Civil Defense Corps and a longtime supporter of the Farmington Baseball Association. He served the area farmers by providing custom farming services, including baling, combining and spraying. Russell was the last surviving member of his immediate family as well as the last of the neighborhood. Russell is survived by his children, Diane (Larry) Riesen of Watertown, Brian (Sharon) of Avoca and Dale of Watertown; grandchildren, Rachel (Dean) Sauvola of New Richmond, Crystal (Scott Sandberg) of Belvadere, Ill., Ashley (Fiance Ryan Jahn), Bryan (Erin Lewis) of Stoughton, Kyle of Watertown and Breanna (Jake) of Oregon; 2 great-grandchildren, Abbey and Iris Sauvola; nieces and nephews and friends. He was preceded in the by his parents; wife, Hazel; sister, Caroline McMahon and sister-in-law, Janet Ulrich. A memorial service will be held at Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Watertown on Friday, May 31, 2013 at 2:00 pm with Chaplain Rick Brewer officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be left at www.svfuneralhome.com. Russell was a cancer survivor, and he requested any memorials be donated to cancer research. Cancer Research Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home, Watertown Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home