Donald Bruce Zabel, age 86, died Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Rice Lake, WI.

He was born on February 26, 1937 in Sheboygan, WI to Harold and Hazel (Wandron) Zabel.

Don graduated from Sheboygan Central High School in 1956 and joined the Wisconsin National Guard while still in high school completing his service in 1957. He worked briefly for the Kohler Company before becoming a City of Sheboygan police officer. In 1962 he became a conservation warden for the Conservation Department (which later became the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) and worked for the State of Wisconsin until 1994 when he retired. At his retirement he was the Area Warden Supervisor based in Cumberland. During his time as a warden he worked throughout the state in various field stations and at several state parks. Don was an avid hunter and fisherman and for a number of years belonged to several sporting clubs where he enjoyed participating on a team in trapshooting. He loved spending time at his North Twin Lake cabin just sitting and looking out at the lake often with one of his dogs on his lap. Don was a life long dog lover and he and Susan shared their 45 year marriage with a number of much loved canine companions.

He is survived by his wife Susan Zabel and their beloved Westie, Terra; 4 children and their families-- Susan, John, Steven and Margaret; 2 stepchildren, Sean and Shane; a sister, Marion, and nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandchild and 2 siblings.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 PM Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Appleyard's Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Father James Kinney officiating. Visitation will be held from 11AM - 1PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to any groups who promote appreciation, conservation, and stewardship of nature and the outdoors are appreciated.

Last Update: Dec 26, 2023 3:14 pm CST