Merwyn Zabel

Merwyn "Bud" Zabel, age 88, of Faribault, died Thursday, January 7, 2010 at the District One Hospital in Faribault, following a brief illness.             Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Congregational Church of Faribault, with Rev. Judy Gustafson, officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association. Interment will be held at a later date.             Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday for one hour prior to the services at the church.             Merwyn Luverne Zabel, the son of Otto "Dick" and Dora "Dode" (Brown) Zabel, was born on January 26, 1921 in St. Cloud, MN. He graduated from Faribault High School and Shakopee Tech where he took up welding. Bud was a member of Golden Gloves Boxing Club and twice was a state participant. He married Jacqueline McCusker on May 16, 1942 in Faribault. They moved to Duluth, where Bud worked as a welder in the Shipyards. Bud then served in the Armored Engineers during WWII, serving in Germany, Austria, and France. In 1952 they moved to Renton, Washington for 4 years where he worked as a mechanic. During this time he also purchased his favorite horse, Strawberry, which he had for 30 years. They moved back to Faribault in 1956. Bud worked at Zabel's Garage with his Dad, and also purchased the farm where he had lived for the past 50 years. He had a Dairy Herd for many years until the 1970s. He then worked at the Faribault State Hospital until his retirement in 1985. Bud and Jackie enjoyed the quiet country life. Jackie preceded him in death on March 4, 1997. Bud loved to hunt with his father, then later with his son and grandchildren. He was an excellent marksman in his day and was a member of the Faribault Gun Club. He enjoyed his horses, attending rodeos, and was a member of the Flying R Saddle Club. He treasured spending time with his family, and enjoyed watching sports on TV. Many will remember Bud for his great sense of humor.             He is survived by his four children, Karen (Don) Novak of Lonsdale, Nancy (Bill) Thorson of Medford, Dick (Janie) Zabel of Fridley, and Carol (Gary) Bonde of Nerstrand; 14 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.             He was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie; parents, Dick and Dode Zabel; sisters, Loretta Herr and Jackie Schrupp; grandson, Daniel Novak; and several nieces and nephews.