FREDERICKSBURG — Marcella Mae Zabel, 88, of Fredericksburg, a devoted mother and grandmother whose life was filled with family traditions, hard work and the simple joys of country living, passed away Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner. From her years on the family farm to the countless hours she spent baking, quilting and teaching her grandchildren, Marcella leaves behind generations of cherished memories.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 16, at 11 a.m. at Peace United Church of Christ in Fredericksburg, with the Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg.
Visitation will take place Thursday, October 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Fredericksburg. Additional visitation will be held Friday at the church beginning one hour before the funeral service.
Born June 27, 1938, in Bremer County, Marcella was the daughter of Lester and Vollie (Schwerin) Gaede. The fourth of 11 children, she grew up surrounded by the responsibilities, relationships and traditions of a large Iowa family.
After graduating from Tripoli High School in 1956, Marcella began a new chapter that would shape the remainder of her life. On August 12 of that year, she married Glen Zabel at Spring Fountain.
The newlyweds settled on the Zabel family farm near Fredericksburg, where they established their home, raised their children and built a life together.
Marcella balanced the responsibilities of family and farm life with a long working career. She spent 23 years at Beatrice Cheese, working in the shredded cheese department, where she became part of the workforce that helped sustain the area’s agricultural economy.
Outside of work, Marcella found fulfillment in the traditions and activities that brought people together. She enjoyed helping with the local carnival, going camping, quilting, baking and decorating cookies, and gathering around the table for a game of cards.
Her talents and interests were also gifts she passed along to younger generations. Marcella particularly enjoyed teaching her grandchildren how to sew, sharing practical skills while making memories that would remain with them long after childhood.
For Marcella, the greatest rewards in life came from watching her family grow. Time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was especially meaningful, whether gathered for a family occasion or simply enjoying one another’s company.
She leaves behind a family spanning multiple generations, along with the lasting influence of the lessons, traditions and love she shared throughout her 88 years.
Marcella is survived by her children, Deb Gruenberg of Sumner, Russ (Lori) Zabel of Northfield, Minnesota, and Daniel (Pam) Zabel of Fredericksburg; daughter-in-law, Deb Zabel of Independence; 11 grandchildren, Travis (Denise) Gruenberg, Eric (Kate) Gruenberg, Jason Gruenberg, Bri Zabel, Morgan (Josh) Hersch, Nic Zabel, Trent (Becca) Zabel, Kayla (Jason) Steinlage, Kendra (Owen) Teeling, Jamie (Jess) Zabel and Tim (Jessica) Zabel; and 16 great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sisters, Maxine Brocka, Phyllis Rodgers, Patricia Stangle and Paula Wehling; and brother, Perry Gaede.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Zabel; son, Greg Zabel; grandson, Brandon Zabel; parents, Lester and Vollie Gaede; and siblings Melvin, Marlys, Marlowe, Milton and Paul.
Serving as pallbearers will be Trent Zabel, Nic Zabel, Jamie Zabel, Tim Zabel, Travis Gruenberg and Eric Gruenberg. Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Gruenberg, Kayla Steinlage, Kendra Teeling, Bri Zabel and Morgan Hersch.
Family members and friends may share memories, offer condolences and find additional service information through Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home’s online tribute to Marcella Mae Zabel.
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