Vern Zabel

Vern was born on October 27, 1951, to Erwin and Gladys (Hicks) Zabel in Minnesota Lake, MN. Vern graduated from Minnesota Lake High School in 1969, the Vice-President of his class. He enlisted in the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1970. On November 6,1971, Vern was united in marriage to Vickie Sapa. The couple celebrated 52 years together and were blessed with 3 children. Vern worked most of his life in general contracting and ended his career as a truck driver doing road construction.

Vern was a member of the Blue Earth American Legion Post 89 for 51 years. He was formerly a member of the Blue Earth Jaycees where he held many offices. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cards with his buddies. Most of all, Vern enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy.

Vern is survived by his wife, Vickie; his children Jen Nelson and Brandon Evan of Minnesota Lake, Kevin and Sarah Zabel of Blue Earth, Emily and Duane Engebretson of Sherburn, and Maura Humason of Rockford, MN. He was a proud papa to his grandchildren, Justin (Megan) Humason, Lauren (Dylan) Triplett, Maddie (Bill) Nelson, Abbie (Brandon) Johnson, Harry Nelson, Frank Nelson, Trysten Engebretson, Layla Smith, Allie Engebretson, Khloe Zabel, River Engebretson, Kimberly Smith, Bennett Zabel, Prentice Engebretson and Sawyer Engebretson; 3 great-grandchildren, Oaklyn, Oliver, and Addison, and another on the way. Vern is also survived by his mother-in-law, Janit Sapa, his brother, Glen Zabel, his sister Margaret (Mike) Kennedy, sisters-in-law Rachel Zabel, Cheryl Bell, and Deb Sapa, and brothers-in-law Bob Wagner, and Tim (Christine) Sapa. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Vern is preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law John Sapa; brothers Wayne, Dale, and Dean and sisters Janet and Donna; sisters-in-law Geraldine Zabel, Eileen Zabel and Chris Wagner; brothers-in-law William Stradtman, Robert McGregor, and Gary Bell; and nephew Jeff Zabel.