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Stephen Gary Zabek III

Stephen Zabek Obituary

Stephen Gary Zabek III, "SWEET 16" beloved son of Stephen II and Tammy Zabek and Brother of Zackary died in a hiking accident October 11th on the Mogollion Rim. He was a young man who let his love for Jesus and his upbringing guide his life to be respectful to adults, always willing to help and friend to all. He had a commanding presence and loved people. He changed the mood and temperament of those he touched and had a multitude of friends. Visitation Wed. Oct. 15th from 5:00-8:00pm at Best Funeral Services, 501 E. Dunlap Ave., Phx. Services will be Oct. 16th at 10:00am at Desert Christian Fellowship Church, 1445 W. Northern Ave., Phx.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Oct. 15, 2003.
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You were a light of hope & such a wonderful influence to my son. Your influence is being spread to this day & years to come

Debbie Motto

Friend

October 9, 2022

Tammy (Moo), Steve-O, Zachary & friends of Stephen: As the day we will all be reunited with Stephen & our Lord Jesus draws near, I am forever thankful! What a glorious day that will be! Love is sent to the Zabek family every nite as I say my prayers & especially on the anniversary of your going home, Stephen! Til next year...love, hugs & kisses to you all!

Debbie Motto

Friend

October 9, 2020

Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you this week. My heart goes out to you and know that I'm sending you (((Hugs))) and prayers!!!

Dona Keeler

Friend

October 9, 2019

October we remember as the month the world lost a very special, Godly friend to the world...those who had the extreme good fortune of having known wonderful you! Tell Jesus to get us ready, soften our hearts to accept Him totally so we can be together again SOON! We long for unity with those we love so much like YOU!

Debbie Motto

October 9, 2019

It has just been to many years that our kids have been gone and yet it seems like yesterday. I know to well how much you miss your baby boy. They will always be our babies. People may have said they weren't babies but they were our babies and always will be. Know that I'm am thinking of you and love you very much. {{{HUGS}}}

Dona Keeler

March 10, 2019

I was thinking about you today. I just wanted to let you know i think of you quite often especially since we share the same birthday. Me my mom and dad had lunch with your mom dad and brother at abacus inn (chinese food) and it brought back alot of memories. You ran through my mind that day and today you popped in my head. Just want to say i love you man and i know each day you are celebrating life with god. You are and always will be a true angel. We all will see each other again and until that day, keep shining.

clinton choate

March 9, 2019

Stephen's Mom

October 16, 2016

Stephen's Mom

October 16, 2016

Stephen's mom :-(

October 16, 2016

Stephen's Mom

October 16, 2016

Stephen's Mom

October 16, 2016

Dear Stephen thinking about you and sending you lots of love!!! How I miss the opportunity should I have met you in person but I will meet you one day in Heaven Gladis Alcorta
Jason's mom

Gladis ( jason's Mom ) Alcorta

October 13, 2016

Remembering what a wonderful testimony you were to so many people of the love of God, Stephen. Each day brings us one day closer to being together again with each other & Jesus/God. Oh how we long for that day!! <3

Debbie Motto

October 12, 2016

Thinking of you and your family as yet another anniversary of your passing is here. Much love to all of you and all our kids who left us way too soon.
Love
Debbie
Erik's mom

October 11, 2016

Just thinking of you up there in Heaven with the rest our kids! Much love to your mom!

Dona Keeler

September 18, 2016

You touched our family last night at the rim site. We will never forget meeting you and hearing a little bit of what you experienced and.your tragic loss. Thank you for sharing with us. As one who loves views like that and.often.bringmy own children to such places, I was struck.by our fragility as well as the ignorance I have at times of the power of the wild and the wind. Perhaps your sharing saves another and in the sharing is some redemption.

Marcia Karasek

July 10, 2016

Happy Birthday in Heaven Stephen (((( HUGS))))Much love to your Mom. Love you Tammy

Dona Keeler

March 5, 2016

Happy Heavenly Birthday dear Stephen. It's so hard to believe our boys have been gone for so long. Love to the Zabek Family.

Love
Erik's Mom
Debbie Klippel

Debbie Klippel

March 3, 2016

my love Stephen....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv8dEXxlrcA&list=PL3SwZufTKD6REuu5mKsYxWUhX_qIzp0XT

ewelina malec

October 12, 2015

Thinking of Stephen and his family on another hard anniversary of his passing. Sending love on this hard day. Love you dear sister Tammy. Love Erik's Mom

Debbie Klippel

October 11, 2015

Doesn't seem possible our boys have been together for 12 years. Sending lots of love and hugs today and everyday. Love you.

Ciline (Patrick's mom)

October 11, 2015

I'm so truly sorry for your loss. God bless all of you.

Dan Kridler

August 21, 2015

Happy Birthday in heaven Stephen. Your family is very special to us. Love Erik's mom

March 3, 2015

Happy Birthday in Heaven Stephen. May your family find peace and hope today in their hearts. Love you all.

Ciline (Patrick's mom)

March 3, 2015

Dear Stephen I can not believe how long it has been since you were in your families' physical presence. I know you are dearly missed and loved by your family. I miss you Stephen even though I never got to meet you here on earth but I know I will meet you in Heaven one day and when I do I will hold you in my arms. Love you <3

Gladis (Jason's Mom) Alcorta

March 1, 2015

Hello my lovely cousin. Last days I thought about you cause I read about Arizone. Hope you still has smile to us in Earth and led us to be good people. Hope you also protect your family and especially Zackary whcih I love as you and Tammy and Stephen your Dad

ewelina

February 24, 2015

Hard to believe it has been 11 years that our boys have been gone. Much love to your family today especially. They are very special people. Love, Erik's mom.

Debbie Klippel

October 11, 2014

Thinking of all today. Love you Stephen, Comfort to your family today and everyday. You are with all of our boys and one day we will be together too. Sending much love to your family today and everyday. Love you Tammy.

Ciline (Patrick's mom)

October 11, 2014

Thinking of you and your family Stephen. It's been awhile since I last typed a message here. I was watching a documentary filmed at the Mogollon Rim, and it sparked my memory...Blessings to you sweet boy.

Kelaiah (formerly Barb) Smalley

August 17, 2014

My dearest Stephen...You are the wonderful hearth there in Heaven....I feel that you are happiness there and alwyas protecting everybody from family....so I wish you all the best in birthday in heaven from our family in Polans

ewelina

March 3, 2014

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN STEPHEN!

May the memories of your birthdays from the past be remembered with smiles, joy and laughter. Much love to your family on this day. I know they love and miss you so much. Love ya Ms.Tammy

Dona Keeler

March 3, 2014

Happy Birthday in Heaven Stephen. Bring comfort to your mom on this day. Love Always.

Ciline (Patrick's mom)

March 3, 2014

Our precious Stephen you are loved and always remembered - I pray you and Jason are buddies in Heaven and keep an eye on your mom and myself. Love you Stephen <3 <3

Gladis (Jason's Mom ) Alcorta

March 2, 2014

So sorry for the loss of your son.. My heart is broken for you.

Mike U

November 15, 2013

Dear Stephen - soon will be here special day when in our memory is this person from family who is in Heaven now so one candle will be for you and we also give special asking for Mass for your soul...

ewelina

October 16, 2013

In Memory of Stephen and much love to his parents. xoxo

Dona Keeler

October 14, 2013

Sending thoughts and prayers.

Debbie Motto

October 12, 2013

To a handsome and kind young man- You will never be forgotten!! Love you Stephen

Gladis ( Jason's Mom) Alcorta

October 11, 2013

Sending love and prayers for peace today. (((hugs)))

Ciline (Patrick's mom)

October 11, 2013

Hello....yesterday I think about Stephen ...you are always in my mind....last time when I hear this music I think about you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6lw1suaZpo

I'm the happiness woman because I meet your and also my family ...and it was because of you...

ewelina Malec

October 11, 2013

:) you liked it as I good remember from Tammy....so send you this to Heaven

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww8wqEgFIA8

ewela

May 16, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss,he looked like such a nice young man. May God Heal your Heart Thank you for taking the time to put my Father,Henry Chambers,death announcement on Find-a-grave. God Bless you always,Evelyn

Evelyn (Chambers) Morrison

May 14, 2013

A special Heavenly Birthday wish, Stephen. As time goes by, my love for you will remain in my heart.

Aunt Joan

March 6, 2013

Happy Birthday in heaven. Your family and friends miss you so much. Say hello to Erik for me.

Debbie-Eriks Mom

March 3, 2013

Happy birthday Stephen you are loved by many people around the country. Love you Zabek family.

Gladis ( Jason"s mom) Alcorta

March 3, 2013

Happy Birthday in Heaven Stephen. Sending lots of love to you and your family.

Ciline (Patrick's mom)

March 3, 2013

Always loved and never forgotten... Miss your sweet smile!

Sharayah

March 2, 2013

Stephen....I wish you all the best on your birthday tomorrow in Heaven....you was gift for your parents and brother....

ewela malec

March 2, 2013

We miss you very much Stephen. You were such a cute and good kid. I hope you are happy in heaven.

Colleen Ball

January 30, 2013

God bless you

Eileen

January 1, 2013

Stephen you are loved and will never be forgotten. Sending you lots of love handsome boy!!

Gladis (Jason's Mom) Alcorta

October 11, 2012

Thinking of Stephen and all of your family today especially. The time continues to tick and our bond is for life. Love you.
Debbie-Erik's mom

Debbie Klippel

October 11, 2012

Thinking of you today Tammy. Can't believe it's been 9 yrs. Sending all my love today and always.

Cilline Patrick's mom

October 11, 2012

Oct. 11 1012 We thought of you with love today. We thought about you yesterday and the days before that too. We think of you in silence. We often speak your name. All we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is are keepsake with which will never part. God has you in his keeping. We have you in are hearts. Love Joan thompson and family.

Joan Thompson

October 10, 2012

Another year and still we wait for the joining of families and loved ones. How we long for the day! Jesus is the One who has made it even possible for that to happen; for that reason we must love Him more than our own children. Seems sacrilegious to even type that out! But its true...Love Jesus first, always...I'm still working on that one even though I know it to be true. Why is it our hearts won't line up with what we know we must do? Makes us as stubborn as the Israelite that had to die in the desert rather than enter the Promised Land. Lord, help all us mothers to love You first...always! Eternity without our loved ones would be hell. Thank you Jesus, for making it possible to live for eternity with You AND our loved ones! Looking forward to seeing you, Stephen! :o) God bless your family every day! XXOO

Debbie Motto

October 10, 2012

I am with you in this day to think about Stephen....and his beautiful smile...I had hope to make something special to You for this day but unfortunately it isn;t posible now...of course I make something special soon:)

ewelina and ewa and asia

October 9, 2012

GOD BLESS YOU FOR BEING SUCH A GOOD MOM,
AND THANK YOU,PERSONALLY,FOR PUTTING UP PHOTOS,OF THE CEMETERY,SO I COULD FIND "MY BROTHER,JOE!!!!!

ROSIE IVERSON

October 6, 2012

Stephen..... love you

ewelina

June 2, 2012

Hey Stephen! I may not have written anything here in your guestbook on the 3rd but I was thinking of you from the moment I switched my calendar over from February to March cuz your birthday is always marked there to remind me! I'm just slow in getting my thoughts to you and your family here. Seems way too long ago since we were blessed with your beautiful smile and heart but you have certainly not left ours! :) We think of you with such fond memories and miss you ever so greatly! Chadley is off to Thailand 3 weeks from today and I can only imagine how you might have liked to join him on this trip...if you weren't all tied down with wife and kids by now! So many "maybe's" and "if-onlys"! When we see Jesus coming to get us, one of the first people we long to see in heaven will be YOU! Love you!
Debbie M

March 6, 2012

Happy Birthday Stephen. BIG HUGS TO YOUR FAMILY!

Dona Keeler

March 4, 2012

You're wondering if I'll celebrate
My birthday (way up here)
I know you're missing me today
I feel your essence near.

God planned a special day for me
He told me with a wink
He'd ordered me a special cake
(It's Angel food, I think)

I'm getting lots of hugs from God
He's really good at that
And every time that I walk by
He gives my head a pat

Balloons will fill the streets for me
They float up through the clouds
And we have lots of clowns up here
That make us laugh out loud

There is a birthday carousel
Jeweled horses ride the wind
With music playing oh so sweet…
The magic never ends

I've made so many friends, you see
We laugh and play and sing
We ride our bikes and play jump rope
And sleep in Angel's wings

We'll have our cake and ice cream
And open gifts, surprise!
But we don't blow out our candles here
Instead, they light the skies

ewelina

March 4, 2012

Happy Birthday Stephen. Love sent to you and your family. Love Always.......(((hugs)))

Ciline (Patrick's mom)

March 4, 2012

we thinking about you Stephen AND YOUR FAMILY....and wish you all the best in Heaven...I pray for you on today's Mass

ewa, joanna and ewelina

March 4, 2012

In life I loved you dearly;
In death I love you still;
In my heart you hold a place,
That no one else can fill.
It broke my heart to lose you,
But you didn't go alone,
For part of me went with you,
The day God took you home.

ewelina

March 4, 2012

Thinking of you and the family and wishing your precious Stephen a happy birthday in Heaven . We love you!!!

Gladis Alcorta

March 3, 2012

Thinking of you on this day of your Earthly Birthday. Love, Aunt Barbara

Barbara Andrews

March 3, 2012

Happy birthday in heaven dear Stephen. Missing you and all our kids who left us too soon. Sending lots of love to your family. Love Eriks mom

Debbie Klippel

March 3, 2012

Sending all my love!

Dona Keeler

October 17, 2011

To Stephen's family,

We don't know eachother but for some reason I was led to this site. I don't know
if it is just a coincidence that my birthday is October 10th. I just want you to know that my heart is heavy with the weight of the pain you feel. You will all be together again when your job down here on earth is done. Stephen, please comfort your family and make their days go by easier until they see you again. Amen

October 16, 2011

My heart aches for you and I know your grief will never pass you are in my prayers and thoughts often. I love You so much and I did not know you then but what I know now is that you were and are an awsome mom. I love You Forever your friend.

Kristina Hoard

October 12, 2011

My precious sister know that I love you and walk right beside you on this journey of grief. I am keeping the Zabek family in my thoughts and prayers plus sending out much love. Love you and the family!!!

Gladis(Jason's Mom) Alcorta

October 11, 2011

My heart breaks for you today on the 8th anniversary of losing your precious son. These dates don't seem to get any easier just more heartbreaking as time goes on and we live without our sons. I thank God that you are now my sister and we walk this road together. Love to you and your family Tammy.
Love
Debbie
Eriks Mom.

Debbie Klippel

October 11, 2011

Thinking of you on this day that forever changed. I know our boys are together and brought us together. My love and prayers are sent your way. May you find peace and know we love you.

Ciline (Patrick's Mom)

October 11, 2011

To our devoted loved one, Stephen, who we miss so dearly. Thanks and praise to our Lord for the promise of everlasting life. And special remembrance of the family on the up coming memorial of the death of their son and brother.Love and prayers always. Aunt Sandra and Lawton Aunt Joanie and L.C.

October 10, 2011

I sometimes still feel you standing beside me with your hand on my shoulder just like you are still here...my Stephish Pup...I miss you so much...I can still feel my hands holding you so tightly as I was hugging and kissing your cheeks...like I didn't want to let you go...or did I know...it was the last time I would ever see or feel the sense of your touch again...while you were still alive?...why didn't I listen to the Holy Spirt...God forgive me

Stephen's mom:-(

October 10, 2011

mój drogi kuzynie bardzo Cie kocham....:) nawet jesli nigdy nie spotkalismy sie...today my tears is for you...not because I'm sad but because I'm happy knowing that you are near us today.....always be with your beautiful mum , brave father and lovely brother....

ewelina with mum and joanna

October 10, 2011

Simply put.... I miss you! My love is sent to you and your family.

Deanna Strothkamp

October 8, 2011

Thinking of you & your family today Stephen. You are thought of & missed. :'(

Barb Smalley

October 3, 2011

Love never dies and you are loved and remembered with great expectation of our joyous reunion! Kisses & hugs to your family, dear Stephen

Debbie Motto

October 2, 2011

If Death is Kind

Perhaps if death is kind, and there can be returning,
We will come back to earth some fragrant night,
And take these lanes to find the sea, and bending
Breathe the same honeysuckle, low and white.

We will come down at night to these resounding beaches
And the long gentle thunder of the sea,
Here for a single hour in the wide starlight
We shall be happy, for the dead are free.

ewelina

October 1, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Rose Gentile Julian

September 15, 2011

we don;t lost you you are in heaven before us to prepare place to us with angels...

ewelina

July 10, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with his loving family. (Butterfly)

Khaylayne

July 8, 2011

This candle is for you, Stephen. Your light will never go out.

Clara Collins

June 9, 2011

good night Stephen .....pray for YOU and your family...

ewela malec

June 8, 2011

hello ....last time is so fast...I even haven't time to sleep...but I don;t know why last time I thought many times about you -Stephen...I don;t know waht is this link between us even we didn;t see each other...hope you protect your all BIG family so me too:) kisses to Heaven for you

eweline

April 18, 2011

Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you!

Dona Keeler

March 7, 2011

I couldn't write at 3th....because I thought what I should write....but now I know....I'm not dying at all, what iis inside me is for ever" my soul live forever....and this soul is with this all who live still in Earth....
Stephen - you could be today in Earth and joke with your parents and brother....maybe you could laughing that I can' t understand you by skype like your brother had happiness because of this....but you are in Heaven and you do it too:) you hugs your mum on her chick, you go together with your father and talk as a men, you play with your brother in yours favourite game.....only we don't see you....wecan feel you....you are with us....and waiting for us....happy birthday....birthday for Earth and birthday for Heaven

ewelina

March 4, 2011

Today was a very special day because you entered this world and blessed your family and friends just by being you! Happy Birthday in heaven. You are truly missed! With love, Sallie

Sallie Jarboe

March 3, 2011

Dearest Stephen, I haven't forgotten you today. You have been on my mind. Well, not just you, but your family as well. When life gets too hectic for me, I sometimes wish I could be where you are, beecause I have struggled with depression my whole life, but I know we all will someday. I hope you had a very Happy Birthday, and that your family finds enough comfort to get through today. Adam is visiting us, he is here a lot. I'm sure he thinks about you but that it's just hard for him to talk about missing you because of how wonderful you are. Anyway, Happy 24th Birthday to one of the sweetest young men I know! Love, Barb

Barb Smalley

March 3, 2011

Happy Birthday in Heaven dear Stephen. Your family misses you so. Your family is very dear to us. Say hello to our boys.

Eriks Mom

March 3, 2011

Happy Birthday in Heaven Stephen. God Bless your family and bring comfort today and always. Love you all

Patrick's Mom

March 3, 2011

hello...It's near time to remember Stephen so I write to say you that we are with you all our think...I'm just still ill so I can write you more...

ewelina

February 27, 2011

Just went thru all the pictures you have here....Beautiful, sad, looking forward heaven with you! Love always, Debbie San Antonio TX

January 17, 2011

hello....today I thought about you ....because tomorrow I will go to next funeral....through 11 months I had to say goodbye my lovely father, and two lovely aunts....you are with them....hugs for you all

e

January 14, 2011

this is from my mum;)

ewa

January 9, 2011

Stephen....still me.....I miss you really really really....even don't know you.....hope you pray for your family there and meet your uncle Boleslaw.... sy him hello from us....please take care of your family too:)

January 9, 2011

this is light to send you to Heaven

ewelina

January 9, 2011

always when I see the smile on your face and your beautiful eyes....I know that you are in Heaven but your smile and this eyes stay here on Earth.....in every person who you knew and in your parents eyes and hearths...and with your brothers smile.....so thanks them I know you better.....my cousin.....love you....

ewelina malec

January 9, 2011

I have your picture rite next to my door along with your whole family so I see you every day! :) Love you all. Debbie M. Texas

Debbie Motto

January 8, 2011

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