John Theodore Zebell

LAKELAND , FL - John T Zebell, 91, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2016, with his family by his side at his daughters home in Lakeland, FL. He was born to John G. and Hattie (Hebbe) Zebell on July 11, 1924 in Racine, WI. On Sept. 22, 1945 he was united in marriage to Lola J. Rugg. They were married for 55 years. She preceded him in death on Feb. 28, 2001. He is survived by 3 daughters, Nancy Nielsen, Lakeland, FL, Carol (Dan) Kennedy, St. Marys, Kansas, Kathleen (Steve) Worthen, Racine, WI., Son-in law Richard Halbur, Poplar Bluff, MO, 13 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and 33 great great grandchildren. John was a 75 year member of Grace Lutheran Church in Racine, WI. From November, 2004 until his death he was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Winter Haven, FL. John was employed at Styberg Engineering Co., Racine for 43 years as a Tool & Die maker. He retired in 1986 as manager of Quality Control, a position he held for 10 Years. John was a World war II Veteran, He spent 39 months as a Aviation Machinist Mate in Navy Air Corps. He served in the South Pacific. Along with his wife Lola, he was preceded in death by his daughter Shirley Halbur (2011), Son-in laws Kenneth Nielsen (2004) and James Verbeten (2003), Sister, Helen Jacobsen (2011), Brothers, Harold Zebell (1983) and Chester Zebell (2003), grandchildren Matthew Peltier (2015) and Louis Peltier (1968). John was a hard working man. He devoted his life to his family. He taught his children the value of love, laughter and living life to the fullest. He had a smile that would light up the room. A memorial service to honor John will be held on June 18,2016 at Grace Lutheran Church 3700 Washington Ave, Racine, WI at 3:00 pm. Relatives and Friends are invited to meet with the family at the church from 2-3 pm prior to the service. He was cremated. Interment will be private. Memorials may be directed to Disabled Veterans and Fisher House Foundation, in honor of John.